“I Knew She Wasn’t My Granddaughter” Deji Adeleke Breaks Silence on Anu DNA Controversy I have been paying Anu’s school fees and taking care of her for years. I also gave Anu’s mother a scholarship at my university, along with a monthly salary, even though I knew Anu is not my granddaughter. I did all these out of compassion. Kemi Olunloyo is the one impersonating the young child, Anu Adeleke, and I don’t even think it’s legal for her to be impersonat!ng a minor, I'd have been glad if this girl were my granddaughter so I could spoil her silly like the other ones, but the DNA results were negative." — Davido’s father, billionaire Deji Adeleke, speaks out for the first time to clear the air on the DNA test controversy.

Sowore Foundation Scatter Better Life for Kiribo: 250 Students Collect Scholarship, Artisans Chop Empowerment as #ComeToKiribo 2026 Burst Ground! Na joy full Kiribo, Ondo State as Sowore Foundation share 250 scholarships give students for Medicine, Nursing, Law plus empower artisans and people with special needs during the 2026 #ComeToKiribo Festival. The event draw people from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin as culture, sports and education jam together. Omoyele Sowore talk say Kiribo Road Race na the first marathon for January 1 anywhere for world, to wake community spirit, promote health and show say citizens fit succeed where government fail. In honour him late papa, the foundation drop over N20 million, support 45 artisans, reward students N1m for winners. Kiribo don turn village dreams.

Sowore Foundation Awards 250 Scholarships, Empowers 45 Artisans; Hosts 2026 #ComeToKiribo Festival in Ondo The Sowore Foundation, founded by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, has awarded scholarships to 250 students studying Medicine, Nursing, Law, and other disciplines, while also empowering 45 artisans and vulnerable individuals. The interventions coincided with the 2026 edition of the annual #ComeToKiribo Festival, held on January 1, 2026, in Kiribo, Ondo State. Speaking at the event, Sowore described the Kiribo Road Race as both symbolic and historic, noting that it is the first marathon race anywhere in the world held every year on January 1. Beyond celebration, the festival served as a platform for education, empowerment, and community development, drawing attention to grassroots support initiatives often missing from mainstream governance efforts. Question: Should community-driven initiatives like this play a bigger role where government support falls short? #ComeToKiribo #SoworeFoundation #OndoState #EducationAndEmpowerment

Wahala Don Set Oo! Nigerian BEA Scholar in Hungary Faces Expulsion Over Unpaid $10,450 Allowance Wahala don really set for abroad oo! A Nigerian postgraduate student studying in Hungary under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship has raised alarm after spending over one year without receiving a single kobo of his approved allowances. Now, he is facing possible expulsion and homelessness because his residence permit is about to expire. The student, Oluwasegun Michael Ogundele of the University of Pannonia, has petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, crying out that since he resumed studies in September 2024, the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) and the Federal Ministry of Education have failed to pay any of the funds promised under his scholarship. According to him, the agreement between the Nigerian and Hungarian governments clearly stated his entitlements, yet nothing has been paid till date. These include a $6,000 yearly allowance, $250 for warm clothing, $200 for health insurance, a N100,000 take-off grant, a $1,000 postgraduate research grant, and a return ticket to Nigeria. In total, the unpaid money now stands at $10,450. Ogundele said the situation has pushed him into serious hardship. For the past 18 months, he has survived only on a small monthly stipend of about €110 from Hungary’s Tempus Scholarship Foundation. He described his condition as one of illness, emotional trauma, and constant anxiety about basic survival. “My academic performance and mental health have suffered. I am constantly worried about how to eat, pay bills, and remain legal in this country,” he said. The wahala no end there. His programme is expected to finish by January 30, 2026, while his residence permit expires the very next day. Yet, he has no money to buy a ticket back to Nigeria. His passage allowance of $2,500, which should help him return home, has also not been paid. He further revealed that he has not taken up any paid job because scholarship rules forbid it. Still, despite obeying all conditions, the government has failed to honour its own agreement. In his petition, Ogundele begged the House Committee to urgently intervene and ensure immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements. He warned that his case is not isolated, stating that many Nigerian students abroad under the BEA scheme are suffering in silence. Some, according to him, have taken degrading jobs to survive, while others have reportedly died due to stress and untreated illnesses. “Many of us are being treated like beggars abroad. We are looked down upon, and it has destroyed our dignity as Nigerians. The suffering imposed on us is unimaginable,” he wrote. The matter has also drawn political attention. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently accused the Tinubu administration of abandoning Nigerian students under the BEA programme, saying over 1,600 students abroad are owed stipends and have been left stranded. However, the Federal Government has denied abandoning students, stating that funding delays were due to fiscal constraints and that it remains committed to students already enrolled. The Ministry of Education also disclosed that no new bilateral scholarships were awarded in 2025, as Nigeria now claims it has enough local capacity to train students at home. But for students like Ogundele, policy explanations no dey stop hunger. As his deadline approaches and eviction looms, Nigerians are now asking: how can a government send students abroad in the name of national development, then leave them to suffer alone? One thing be sure: wahala don set oo for this BEA scholarship matter—and everybody dey watch how government go respond.

Atiku Blasts Tinubu Govt Over Abandoning Nigerian Students Abroad 😡🎓 People, wahala don burst! Former VP Atiku Abubakar don accuse Tinubu administration of leaving about 1,600 Nigerian students stranded abroad after quietly stopping the BEA scholarship programme. Students supposed to get stipends of $6,000+ each—nothing paid since 2025 💸 Some faced hunger, unpaid rent, even life-threatening medical emergencies One tragic case: student in Morocco died reportedly due to hardship 😢 Atiku calls it “cruel, negligent, and damaging to Nigeria’s international reputation” Government allegedly offered to sponsor students back home instead—callous! BEA originally meant to build Nigeria’s future workforce in countries like China, Russia, Morocco, Hungary Federal Ministry of Education, however, denies abandonment Says no new scholarships in 2025 Existing students supposed to be supported until completion Policy now focuses on local training programs to save public funds Atiku warns: “Abandoning students mid-course destroys years of effort and Nigeria’s credibility” 💥

Why Is the UAE Cutting Scholarships for UK Universities? Is Fear of Islamist Radicalisation on British Campuses Redefining Emirati Foreign Policy, Student Mobility, and UK–Gulf Relations? Is the United Arab Emirates quietly reshaping global student mobility—and sending a political message to Britain in the process? The UAE has begun restricting state-funded scholarships for students seeking to study in the United Kingdom, citing concerns that some British university campuses are being influenced or “radicalised” by Islamist groups. Officials in Abu Dhabi confirmed to the Financial Times and The Times that federal funding for Emirati citizens planning to enrol in UK universities has been curtailed. The move reflects deepening unease within the UAE over what it views as the growing ideological presence of Islamist networks on British campuses, particularly those allegedly linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which the UAE designates as a terrorist organisation. While the UAE has not imposed an outright ban on studying in the UK, the policy change marks a significant shift. Wealthier families can still send students abroad using private funds, and government scholarships remain available for studies in other countries. However, the restriction is already affecting numbers: UK student visa data show a sharp decline in Emirati enrolment, with only 213 UAE students granted UK study visas in the year ending September 2025—a 27% drop from the previous year and a 55% fall compared to 2022. This is particularly striking given that the Emirati student population in the UK had doubled between 2017 and 2024 to around 8,500 students, with major concentrations at institutions such as King’s College London, University College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Leeds, and the University of Central Lancashire. At the heart of the decision lies long-standing political tension between Abu Dhabi and London. The UAE has repeatedly urged Britain to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, a group it considers a security threat. However, successive UK governments have declined to proscribe the organisation. A 2014 inquiry ordered by then-Prime Minister David Cameron, led by former ambassador Sir John Jenkins, concluded that the Brotherhood’s beliefs were incompatible with British values but found insufficient legal grounds for a ban. More recently, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he would proscribe the group if elected, underscoring how the issue has become embedded in British political debate. Concerns in Britain about alleged Islamist influence on university campuses have also fueled controversy. Student organisations have faced scrutiny for hosting speakers accused of promoting extremist ideologies, with critics warning that academic spaces may be vulnerable to ideological recruitment. For the UAE, which has previously jailed suspected Brotherhood members and strongly supported Egypt’s 2013 military ouster of President Mohammed Morsi, the presence of any perceived Brotherhood influence abroad is seen as a direct security risk. A Middle East expert quoted by The Times suggested that the Emirati leadership is “obsessed” with the Brotherhood, describing it as more of an ideological movement than a tightly organised group. According to the source, the scholarship restrictions function as a “warning shot” to students, signalling that engagement with Islamist networks abroad could carry consequences back home. Beyond education policy, the move raises broader geopolitical questions. Is the UAE using scholarships as a diplomatic lever to pressure the UK? Will other Gulf states follow suit? And what does this mean for Britain’s position as a global education hub, especially at a time when international student numbers are critical to university funding? As Emirati students increasingly turn to alternative destinations, the policy may reshape academic exchange, economic ties, and cultural diplomacy between the Gulf and the UK. More fundamentally, it highlights how security concerns, ideological conflict, and foreign policy priorities are now directly influencing where young people are allowed—or encouraged—to study abroad.

VDM Calls Out President Tinubu Over Failed Scholarship Promises to Nigerian Students in Morocco Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, over the deteriorating conditions some Nigerian students are reportedly facing in Morocco. The students, granted scholarships by the Nigerian government, were promised full support including a $500 monthly allowance, and were allegedly instructed not to work while studying. In a video shared online, VDM revealed that some students have suffered serious consequences due to the government’s alleged failure to deliver on these promises. He claimed that one student died while another sustained a broken leg after attempting to work secretly to survive. He also highlighted the poor state of their accommodation, where up to five students were crammed into rooms meant for one, lacking electricity and proper study facilities. VDM warned that if students continue to be neglected, they may resort to cybercrime, which could negatively impact Nigeria’s international image. He also alleged that attempts by students to reach out to influencers and media houses were met with demands for money before their stories could be shared. The activist called on the government to intervene urgently and suggested that funds meant for students may have been embezzled. VDM’s video has received praise from fans who expressed outrage at the government’s inaction and applauded his advocacy for the students’ rights. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about government accountability in managing scholarship programs and protecting Nigerian students abroad, and it adds to VDM’s history of activism, which includes previous solo protests addressing national insecurity issues.

Broken Promise? Why Has Tinubu’s Government Failed to Give Ex-Corps Members the Jobs It Promised Since July? | Fintter Was the promise of “automatic employment” for ex-corps members a genuine commitment—or just another political announcement that has quietly faded away? Five months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration publicly announced automatic employment, scholarships, and financial rewards for 210 honoured ex-corps members, the promised jobs are yet to materialise. What was once celebrated as a bold gesture of appreciation for young Nigerians who “went beyond the call of duty” has now become a painful reminder of unfulfilled government pledges. In a statement released by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on July 29, the Tinubu government announced that 210 ex-corps members from the 2020–2023 service years would receive automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service, scholarships up to doctoral level within Nigeria, and cash awards of ₦250,000 each. Among them were individuals who had demonstrated exceptional service—and others who had suffered life-changing injuries while serving the nation. For many of the beneficiaries, the announcement was more than symbolic recognition. It represented hope, stability, and a long-awaited breakthrough after years of struggle, unemployment, and sacrifice. But today, that hope has turned into frustration, exhaustion, and a deep sense of betrayal. According to affected ex-corps members who spoke anonymously for fear of victimisation, no job placements have been made, no official communication has followed, and no clear explanation has been given by either the government or the NYSC. Although the promised cash award was reportedly paid, the most critical aspect of the pledge—automatic employment—remains unfulfilled. In October 2025, after public pressure intensified following investigative reports, the ex-corps members were invited to Abuja and instructed to submit documents for “urgent processing.” Many travelled long distances, spending scarce resources they could barely afford. Some arrived without accommodation or support, driven only by the hope that the long-promised jobs were finally becoming a reality. Yet, weeks turned into months—and no one contacted them again. One affected ex-corps member described borrowing money to make the trip, only to return home with nothing. Another said he slept in a religious centre, enduring discomfort and mosquito-infested nights, believing the government was finally about to fulfil its word. Instead, they were met with silence. Even more troubling are the stories of ex-corps members who sustained permanent injuries during national service. For them, the promise of government employment was not merely an opportunity—it was a lifeline. Many say private employers now reject them because of their disabilities. The government’s pledge had restored their sense of dignity and belonging, if only briefly. One injured ex-corps member said: “When they promised automatic employment, I believed there was still a place for me in this country despite my condition. Today, nobody has even called or sent an email.” The emotional toll has been devastating. Beneficiaries say the process left them financially drained, psychologically exhausted, and feeling used for public relations. What was once a moment of national praise has become a story of disappointment, neglect, and broken trust. The situation raises serious questions about government accountability, youth unemployment, and the credibility of public promises. If young Nigerians who risked their lives in service of the nation can be publicly honoured—and then quietly ignored—what message does that send to millions of other youths struggling for opportunity? Now, the affected ex-corps members are appealing directly to the federal government to redeem its word. They insist they do not want sympathy or publicity—they want action. As one of them put it: “We don’t want to be used as tools for government promotion. We only ask that the promises made to us be fulfilled.” --- 💬 Conversation Starters for Fintter Readers Should government promises come with legal consequences when they are not fulfilled? Is this another example of young Nigerians being used for political image-building? Why has there been no official explanation from the Presidency or the NYSC? What does this mean for trust in future government youth empowerment programmes? 👉 Join the discussion on Fintter: Do you believe the Tinubu administration will still honour this promise—or has it already been abandoned?

“Tinubu Government Cites Fiscal Challenges for Delayed Support to Nigerian Scholars in Morocco” The Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has addressed allegations that Nigerian students studying in Morocco under federal scholarships have been abandoned, attributing delays to “temporary fiscal challenges.” This response comes amid claims by several students that they were left without financial support, shelter, or medical care over several years, with some facing life-threatening situations. One final-year medical student reported that scholarship beneficiaries, recruited to train as future doctors for Nigeria, were struggling to meet basic needs. Another case involved a student named Umar, who suffered from appendicitis requiring urgent surgery, highlighting the serious risks faced by the scholars. In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Education, Director of Press Boriowo Folasade quoted Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa, who confirmed that no Nigerian student on a valid Federal Government scholarship has been abandoned. The ministry explained that students enrolled under the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme prior to 2024 received funding up to the 2024 budget year. Any delays in payments were attributed to fiscal constraints, with ongoing coordination between the Ministries of Education and Finance to resolve outstanding issues. The ministry further clarified that no new bilateral scholarships were awarded in 2025, dismissing circulating documents as “fake and unauthenticated.” According to the government, overseas scholarships have been scaled down following a policy review, citing sufficient capacity in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to accommodate affected programs locally. Under the new framework, only scholarships fully funded by host foreign governments are supported. Despite these changes, the government reiterated its commitment to students already enrolled abroad, promising continued support until they complete their studies. Students wishing to discontinue overseas programs may return to Nigerian institutions, with the Federal Government covering return travel costs. The ministry justified the reforms as a measure to reduce avoidable financial burdens on public resources while strengthening domestic educational capacity. The government concluded by rejecting what it described as misinformation or attempts to undermine policies, emphasizing that it remains dedicated to the welfare and academic progress of Nigerian students abroad.

Nigerian Scholars Abandoned in Morocco Lament Hunger, Unpaid Rents, Medical Neglect, Urge Tinubu Government to Disburse Stipends Nigerian students on federal government scholarships in Morocco have accused the Tinubu administration of abandoning them to extreme hardship, hunger, unpaid rents, and medical neglect. Social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, released a video highlighting the plight of these students, who say they have gone without promised monthly stipends for years. Students claim the scholarship prohibits them from working, leaving many stranded without income. One student suffered a broken thigh bone while secretly seeking work, while another recounted the death of a fellow scholar, Bashir Malami, due to untreated tuberculosis. Cases of life-threatening medical emergencies, unpaid hospital bills, and eviction threats were reported. The scholars appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene, warning that their academic futures and lives are at risk. As of the report, the Nigerian government has not responded.

Borno State Fence Collapse Kills Five, Leaves One Injured in Jere LGA – Victims Evacuated to Maiduguri Hospital A tragic incident in Bintu Sugar, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, claimed the lives of five residents and left one person injured after a fence collapsed on January 4, 2026, around 8:12 p.m. The victims — Hadiza Mohamed, Adamu Umar, Abdul Malik Usman, Abdullahi Usman, and Salamatu Mohammed Dibal — were residents of Gomari and were evacuated to the State Specialists Hospital in Maiduguri, where they were certified dead. The sole survivor, 16-year-old Ya’u Labaran, is receiving treatment at the hospital. Police confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fence collapse. The deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria and sharing borders with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has a rich cultural heritage and a history of scholarship. Despite its challenges with insurgency and humanitarian crises, the state remains strategically important for regional trade and security. #BornoState #FenceCollapse #JereLGA #NigeriaTragedy #MaiduguriNews #AccidentReport #BreakingNewsNigeria #NigeriaNews

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Bauchi Government Closes Major Roads Ahead Of Tinubu’s Condolence Visit To Late Islamic Scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi The Bauchi State Government has announced the temporary closure and diversion of major roads in the state capital as President Bola Tinubu prepares to visit Bauchi to commiserate with the family and followers of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. The respected cleric, who died on November 26, 2025, at the age of 98, was widely revered for his influence on Islamic scholarship in Nigeria and beyond. According to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, key routes leading to the Sheikh’s mosque and other strategic locations will be restricted between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday for security and traffic management. Residents have been urged to plan movements, avoid restricted areas, and cooperate with security agencies as the President embarks on a three-state visit covering Borno, Bauchi, and Lagos.

NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed Rejects Dangote’s Corruption Allegations, Calls for Full EFCC, ICPC and National Assembly Probe The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has denied corruption allegations levelled against him by Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated. Ahmed said his rise in Nigeria’s petroleum sector since 1991 was merit-based and defended his financial record, including the education of his children abroad, citing scholarships, family support and decades of personal savings. He linked the timing of the allegations to recent regulatory actions enforcing fuel quality standards, stricter licensing and transparent pricing under the Petroleum Industry Act. Ahmed formally invited the Code of Conduct Bureau, EFCC, ICPC and the National Assembly to investigate his assets and tenure, insisting his record would withstand any legitimate scrutiny. Dangote, however, has petitioned the ICPC, accusing the regulator of abuse of office, illicit enrichment and frustrating local refining through fuel import licences.

Seven Years On, NNPCL Fails to Pay Scholarship Promised to 2018 Science Quiz Winner Tony Okeke Seven years after winning the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s 2018 National Science Quiz Competition, Tony Okeke has yet to receive the ₦100,000 grant and ₦300,000 annual scholarship publicly promised by the corporation. Despite fulfilling all documentation requirements and repeated follow-ups, the NNPCL has neither paid the award nor offered an explanation, raising concerns over accountability and the credibility of its flagship CSR initiative. Okeke has since graduated with top honours in biomedical engineering fields in the United States. #NNPCL #EducationScholarship #Accountability

NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to take their bilateral relationship to a strategic level. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Bangkok today, between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow. In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, proposed for Thailand to help bridge the regions, by fostering collaboration between the African bloc, ECOWAS, and the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, foreseeing eventual ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit in the long-term. Both sides discussed building on Nigeria's crude oil exports and Thailand's rice and machinery exports, and extending to scholarship programmes for Nigerian students. They agreed to diversify into new areas like agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT. While on security, Yusuf Tuggar stressed on cooperation against transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training. To solidify this enhanced partnership, the Minister urged for speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and culture, with a view to establishing a high-level joint commission. The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as its strategic partner in Asia and extended an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.

Northern States Governors' Forum Appoints Ezekiel Gomos as Director-General to Strengthen Regional Coordination The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), under the leadership of its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, as Director-General of the Forum’s Secretariat. The appointment is in line with the Forum’s renewed commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and improving coordination among the 19 northern states in addressing the region’s pressing challenges. According to the Forum, creating the office of Director-General is a strategic step towards repositioning the Secretariat as a more effective hub for policy coordination, collective action and long-term development planning. Mr. Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, is an accomplished development economist and policy expert with a distinguished career spanning public service, governance reform, private-sector development and human capital advancement. His experience includes senior roles in high-impact institutions such as the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). In addition, he has been Lead Consultant and Head of Faculty at the Jos Business School (JBS), a centre dedicated to entrepreneurship development, leadership training, and policy dialogue. For nearly two decades, Mr. Gomos has served as a resource person at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, contributing to the training of senior leaders across Nigeria in policy, strategy and national development. The new DG's academic credentials include graduate and postgraduate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of East Anglia, UK. He is also a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships, including the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (University of Minnesota), the British Chevening Scholarship and the UNDP Fellowship at the ILO Training Centre in Turin. Gomos has attended senior executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Durham University Business School. Presenting the appointment letter, Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged Mr. Gomos to apply his extensive expertise in strategic leadership, institutional development and policy management to strengthen the NSGF Secretariat into a robust platform for collective security coordination, regional economic cooperation and sustainable development across the North. The NSGF Chairman expressed confidence that the appointment will usher in a new era of deeper collaboration, improved coordination and more coherent regional responses to the North’s most critical challenges.

NDDC Scholarship Awardees Protest Omission After Completing Documentation Several selected candidates for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) scholarship have raised alarm after being unexpectedly removed from final lists despite completing all required exams, interviews, screening, and documentation. Many received congratulatory messages, codes, and attended the award ceremony, only to discover discrepancies between the master list and state lists used for verification. Some cleared candidates are still awaiting their official award letters, leaving them stranded and concerned about their academic future. The affected applicants are calling for urgent clarification and intervention as the commission faces renewed scrutiny over past controversies and unresolved scholarship issues.

Gov. Buni Approves Scholarships for 28,346 Yobe Students, Doubles All Allowances Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni , has approved the disbursement of scholarships and bursaries to 28,346 Yobe State indigenes currently studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, in what has been described as one of the most far-reaching educational interventions by any state government in recent times. The approval underscores the Governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, access to education, and human capital development as critical pillars for sustainable growth. According to the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board (YSSB), Dr. Kagu Abubakar, Yobe State University recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 7,636 successful applicants, reflecting the steady growth of the institution and the increasing enrolment of Yobe indigenes in higher education. Students of other universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and specialized institutions across the country are also captured in the comprehensive beneficiary list. Dr. Kagu disclosed that Governor Buni has further approved a 100 percent increment in all categories of scholarship payments, effectively doubling what students previously received. Under the new payment regime, PGDE, Master’s and PhD students will now receive ₦110,000, up from the former ₦55,000. While undergraduate students will receive ₦46,000, as against ₦23,000 previously paid. HND, NCE and National Diploma students will now receive ₦34,000, instead of the former ₦17,000, while students pursuing other Diploma, Certificate and Consultancy programmes will now receive ₦26,000, up from ₦13,000. The increment, he noted, is in recognition of the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of education across the country. To ensure transparency, efficiency and smooth implementation of the exercise, the Scholarship Board recently convened a joint stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of the House Committee on Higher Education, officials of the Ministry of Higher Education, Youth and Sports, education Focal Persons, as well as student leaders from various tertiary institutions. The meeting reviewed the operational framework, harmonized schedules and addressed logistical issues to guarantee the successful execution of the exercise nationwide. In line with established procedures, Dr. Kagu stated that the names, admission details and academic records of all successful beneficiaries will be forwarded to their respective institutions and recognized student bodies, while a comprehensive timetable for the disbursement exercise will be officially released to guide students and institutions accordingly. This, he emphasized, is to prevent congestion, ensure orderliness and eliminate sharp practices. The Executive Secretary conveyed the gratitude and appreciation of students, parents and guardians across Yobe State to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his continued and consistent investment in education. He noted that the scholarship scheme has remained a major source of relief for thousands of families, improved school retention rates, and strengthened access to tertiary education for indigent but brilliant students across the state. Dr. Kagu assured that the Office of the Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Scholarship Board will continue to provide regular updates to all schools, beneficiaries and the general public on developments relating to the exercise, stressing that the Board remains committed to accountability, transparency and timely service delivery in the execution of its mandate.

EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom School Owner over ₦3 million Alleged Visa and Scholarship Scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, owner of Michael Udonquak Schools, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly running multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams. According to the EFCC, Okpong’s arrest followed a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian visas for her and her husband. Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with an offer to help secure a foreign scholarship. She stated that she only made payment after Okpong signed a notarized indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s First Bank account. However, after receiving the money, Okpong allegedly became unreachable and began rejecting calls, failing to fulfill her promises despite the signed agreement. Bassey further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims. “I met one of her victims in China who got stranded when she discovered there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and were either stranded or deported, losing huge sums of money,” she said. The EFCC confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.