Ekiti Assembly to Spend ₦1.2 Billion on Chairs, Tables and Vehicles in 2026—While Key Ministries Get Zero Funding: Is This Governance or Misplaced Priorities?

A review of the Ekiti State House of Assembly’s 2026 budget estimates by SaharaReporters has revealed a controversial plan to spend ₦1.2 billion on executive chairs, tables, cabinets and office furniture, despite the fact that ₦470 million was already spent on similar items in 2025. The proposed expenditure includes 700 executive chairs, 600 tables, 200 chamber tables, 100 cabinets, 50 office shelves and 12 chair sets, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and government priorities.

In addition to furniture, the Assembly is seeking ₦800 million to procure three 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs and 30 Toyota Corolla vehicles, further fueling concerns about luxury spending amid economic challenges facing the state.

This development follows earlier revelations that ₦300 million was budgeted for the construction of a governor’s and deputy governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, even though ₦470 million had already been spent on similar projects between January and September 2025. Another contract worth ₦320 million was reportedly awarded for the construction of a guest house chalet within the Government House, allegedly to a permanent secretary, raising transparency concerns.

While billions are allocated to official residences, vehicles and office furniture, a review of Ekiti State’s audited financial statements for 2024 shows that 35 government agencies received zero funding for capital projects, despite having a combined capital budget of ₦3.3 billion. Affected institutions include the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ekiti State Pensions Board, Civil Service Commission, Housing Corporation, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Office of Public Defender, Teaching Service Commission, University Teaching Hospital, and several others critical to governance, education, healthcare and public welfare.

The report also highlights a troubling pattern in public procurement, with multiple contracts worth billions of naira reportedly awarded to individuals listed as “Permanent Secretary.” These include airport-related projects such as the ₦3.3 billion Instrument Landing System, electrification works, transformer installations, floodlight systems, and road extensions, along with smaller procurements like buses and motorcycles.

Critics argue that the growing gap between lavish government spending and the chronic underfunding of essential agencies reflects a governance crisis. As calls for transparency, accountability and prudent use of public funds intensify, the question remains: Why are billions being committed to furniture, vehicles and government lodges while critical ministries and public institutions are left unfunded?

This controversy has once again placed Ekiti State’s budgeting priorities under national scrutiny, raising fundamental concerns about public trust, fiscal discipline and whether state resources are truly being used in the best interest of citizens.

Enugu Court Remands Suspected Hoodlums Linked to State Commissioner Over Violent Attacks on Mburubu Community

The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned suspected hoodlums allegedly linked to the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, over violent attacks and vandalism in Mburubu community, Nkanu East LGA. The court proceedings, held at Chukwuani Magistrate Court on December 19, 2025, revealed that some suspects acted on instructions from the community’s Chief Security Officer. The magistrate rejected a request for dismissal and remanded the suspects at Enugu State Correctional Centre. Residents and observers welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and accountability amid ongoing political and communal tensions.

Enugu Leadership Crisis: Community Leader Egbo Obinna Alleges Assassination Attempt, Accuses Commissioner Lawrence Ezeh of Sponsoring Gunmen

Tensions in Mburubu, Nkanu East, Enugu State, escalated as community leader Hon. Egbo Obinna Stephen claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt allegedly orchestrated by armed hoodlums sent by Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh. Stephen reported that the attackers stormed his home multiple times on October 31, 2025, causing property damage while searching for him. The incident is linked to the ongoing traditional rulership tussle in the community. Stephen alleged that the attacks were politically motivated due to his support for traditional ruler aspirant Ozo Jerry Onuokaibe. The commissioner, through his media aide, denied all allegations, calling them “desperate fabrications.” The Nigeria Police subsequently arrested the chairman of the community’s Neighbourhood Watch amid fresh allegations of vandalism, intensifying the leadership crisis. Civil society and youth groups have called for government intervention to restore peace.

Ohanaeze Youth Council Urges Gov. Mbah to Stop Political Interference in Mburubu Traditional Crisis

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Enugu State chapter, has called on Governor Peter Mbah to urgently intervene in the escalating crisis in Mburubu community, Nkanu East LGA. The group says it has received multiple complaints accusing the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, of worsening the tensions through alleged political interference, arming of youths, media attacks, and intimidation linked to the traditional rulership tussle. Community leaders reported violent clashes, destruction of property, and alleged assassination attempts against ‘Igweship’ contender Engr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe. The OYC also warned of similar unrest in Nomeh Unateze and urged the governor and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further violence and restore peace.


#EnuguCrisis #OYC #TraditionalLeadership

Enugu Commissioner Ezeh Denies Sponsoring Violence in Mburubu, Says Allegations Are Politically Driven

Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, has denied allegations that he armed youths and sponsored violent attacks in the crisis-torn Mburubu community. The accusations, linked to a protracted traditional leadership tussle, came from community stakeholders who claimed he orchestrated clashes and targeted Igweship contender Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe. In a rebuttal issued through his media aide, Ezeh described the claims as fabricated and politically motivated, insisting he has no interest in the Igweship stool and that court rulings have already disqualified Onuokaibe. He added that the recent unrest was triggered by Onuokaibe’s alleged disobedience to court and police directives regarding the suspended New Yam Festival. Ezeh urged the public to disregard the allegations, asserting that the law and community constitution support his position.

ASUU blames FG’s neglect for deepening education crisis.

The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has accused the Federal Government of neglecting the education sector, warning that such indifference is at the root of Nigeria’s prolonged academic and development crisis.

Speaking during The Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, in a virtual session titled “A Conversation with the ASUU President,” Piwuna said federal officials do not view the challenges facing the education system as national problems requiring collective responsibility. Instead, he said, ministers and government executives often dismiss education-related matters as “the Education Minister’s problem.”

“Members of the government, the ministers, and chief executives do not see the problem of education as a problem that affects them.
When ASUU declares a strike, the Minister of Finance sees it as the Minister of Education’s problem; the Minister of Science and Technology sees it the same way,” Piwuna said.

“But if the Minister of Finance understood that the country’s economic growth depends on a knowledgeable workforce, he would take the Minister of Education’s problem as his own.”

Piwuna argued that the Federal Government’s inconsistent policy direction, corruption, and capitalist ideology continue to weaken public education. He lamented that while ASUU views education as a public good, many government officials treat it as a profit-driven enterprise.

“We in ASUU see education as a public good, but those in government treat it as a capitalist venture. Many of them now suggest that TETFund should begin funding private universities… Self-interest and contract inflation have replaced public service. That is why TETFund has become a marketplace,” he added.

The ASUU leader further revealed that discussions between the union and the government are ongoing at the National Executive Council meeting in Taraba State, but warned that the salary offers currently on the table remain “unacceptable.”

“The terms of the agreement are shaping up, and in the next week or two, we’ll make a definite statement. But what the government is offering us as salaries is unacceptable, and we are ready to go to any length to fight it,” he said.

Ekiti Government constructs ₦1.8 billion lodge for Governor Oyebanji and his deputy in Abuja amid funding concerns.

The Ekiti State Government has reportedly spent ₦470 million on the construction of a new ₦1.8 billion lodge in Abuja for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, sparking public concern over the state’s spending priorities.

According to official budget records, the funds were allocated for the “construction of new governor and deputy governor lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.” A review by SaharaReporters showed that ₦470 million was expended between January and September 2025.

The report also revealed that a separate ₦320 million contract was awarded on October 8, 2025, for the construction of a guest house chalet within the Government House, with the contract issued to a permanent secretary in the Government House and Protocol Department.

This comes at a time when many agencies in the state have struggled to access funds for essential capital projects. An audit of Ekiti’s 2024 financial report indicated that 35 government agencies received no capital funding despite having a combined budget of ₦3.3 billion.

Among the affected institutions were the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Deputy Governor’s Office, Ekiti State Mortgage Board, Civil Service Commission, and several liaison offices and agencies responsible for public development, housing, and healthcare.

Further investigations revealed that numerous multi-million naira contracts — including those for the Ekiti Airport Project, transformer installations, and other infrastructure works — were awarded to “permanent secretaries” rather than independent contractors, raising questions about transparency and due process.

Critics have accused the state government of misplacing priorities by funding luxury projects for political officeholders while neglecting crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The development has reignited calls for accountability and stricter monitoring of public expenditure in Ekiti State.

ABU Debunks Viral Claim Linking It to Nuclear Weapons Development.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that the institution was secretly involved in developing nuclear weapons for Nigeria.

In a statement by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwalu Umar, ABU described the AI-generated video as false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy program.

The video had claimed that Nigerian scientists in the 1980s enriched weapons grade uranium in Kaduna, with ABU researchers allegedly obtaining centrifuge equipment from Pakistan’s AQ Khan network.

Umar, however, debunked these allegations as baseless and unsubstantiated, clarifying that during the 1980s, most scientists at ABU’s Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad and could not have been involved in any uranium enrichment activity.

He emphasized that all of Nigeria’s nuclear activities have been transparent and strictly for peaceful purposes, in line with the country’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty, which ban nuclear weapons development.

According to Umar, the Centre for Energy Research and Training, founded in 1976, operates in partnership with the IAEA and other international collaborators from the U.S., Russia, and China and has never engaged in any secret weapons project.

“ABU has consistently focused on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to promote national development,” he stated, adding that the university’s founder, Sir Ahmadu Bello, had shown early interest in peaceful atomic research after visiting the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S. in 1960.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing science and technology for the benefit of humanity and to upholding Nigeria’s international obligations on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Tunji-Ojo certificate saga: Prove you’re not shielding South-West ministers – Gani to Tinubu.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Taofik Gani, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prove his transparency and fairness by directing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to publicly clear his name over alleged irregularities in his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, record and previous corruption allegations.

Gani made this call in a statement on Wednesday, warning that the growing perception of nepotism and selective justice in the Tinubu administration could undermine public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

He said there are several petitions against Tunji-Ojo, including claims that he absconded during his mandatory NYSC service year but still presented a discharge certificate during his ministerial screening.

“If President Tinubu and his party, the APC, are sincere about fighting corruption, the minister should be directed to clear himself or resign honorably like Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned after allegations of certificate forgery.

“This is where President Tinubu has to prove that he is not shielding South-West ministers in corruption cases,” Gani stated.

Convener of the League for Good Governance, Isaiah Ijele, urged Tinubu to allow the Department of State Services, DSS, to investigate the certificate scandal hung on the minister.

Addressing forgery, perjury in public office .

Nigeria for long has allowed high profile individuals to get away with crimes while less fortunate Nigerians rightfully pay the price for their sins.

One major area prominent Nigerians, especially political and judicial officers, get away with is forgery and perjury, both criminal offences.

A few weeks ago, following several denials and feeble pushbacks, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was forced to resign from the government of President Bola Tinubu after being exposed in the web of certificate forgery by online newspaper, Premium Times.

Nnaji was found to have forged his BSc and National Youth Service Corps certificates, which he submitted to the president and the Senate during his ministerial screening in 2023. Perjury!

The former minister had claimed to have obtained a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, in 1985, and completed his National Youth Service in Jos in 1986.

Despite that both UNN and the NYSC, through official correspondences, disowned Nnaji’s certificates, the minister was in denial.

Amid the heated debates, the ex-minister was forced to resign from President Tinubu’s cabinet.

Nnaji’s fiasco was not the first, and does not seem to be the last. It is estimated that from 1999 to now, no fewer than 10 prominent political figures have seen their careers cut short by deeply troubling certificate forgery scandals

34 students expelled, 13 suspended at Aliko Dangote University for exam misconduct.

The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, has expelled 34 students and suspended 13 others for one academic session over examination misconduct.

The decision followed the approval of the report submitted by the Examinations Regulations and Irregularities Committee during the university senate’s 123rd meeting held on October 9, 2025.

The university’s Head of Information, Publications, and Public Relations Unit, Abdullahi Datti, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

He said, “The disciplinary measures were taken after careful consideration of the committee’s report, which investigated cases of examination misconduct. The Senate approved the expulsion of 34 students and the rustication of 13 others for one academic session, while several students received warning letters.”

Datti added that the university remains committed to upholding academic integrity and maintaining discipline among students.

“The management wishes to remind all students that examination malpractice and any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated,” he said.

“The Most Honorable in Tinubu’s Cabinet” — Dele Farotimi Hails Uche Nnaji’s Resignation, Sparks Online Reactions


Human rights activist and outspoken political commentator, Dele Farotimi, has set social media abuzz after describing Uche Nnaji, the recently resigned Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as “the most honorable” member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Farotimi wrote:

“I don’t know him, and I no send am. But this guy is more honorable than every other person in the cabinet from which he has ‘honorably’ resigned. When is the aspiring Hitler of Obiakpor resigning, and would the honorable president be following suit?”


Farotimi’s post came shortly after reports confirmed that Nnaji tendered his resignation, reportedly citing integrity concerns and internal disagreements within the administration.

His statement quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions from Nigerians online — some applauding Nnaji’s courage, others interpreting Farotimi’s remarks as a veiled criticism of the current government.

One user commented:

“100%. WW is an SPV. Most people didn’t even know who the minister was because he hasn’t promoted innovation for nearly 1000 days. At least WW is commissioning roads. His time is almost up too.”


Another user alleged political pressure behind Nnaji’s exit, claiming:

“Emilokan ordered him to resign or be sacked. Two forgers can’t stay in the same boat.”


Others questioned the credibility of the administration’s vetting process, pointing fingers at the Department of State Services (DSS) for missing key details during Nnaji’s appointment.

“They’re still defending the coastal road. When they’re done, we’ll know what truly happened. The DSS was supposed to vet him — how did they miss this? We’re in serious trouble. Still, congratulations to him for leaving,” another user wrote.

Nnaji’s resignation and Farotimi’s fiery reaction have reignited public discussions about integrity, transparency, and accountability in the Nigerian government.

Premium Times To Sue Nnaji’s Spokesman Over ₦100 Million Bribery Allegation.

The management of Premium Times has vowed to drag Robert Ngwu, spokesperson to the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to court for accusing the newspaper of collecting ₦100 million bribe from the Enugu State Government to publish its recent report on the minister’s forged degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

Naija News understands that Ngwu made the claim on Tuesday while appearing as a guest on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme.

Speaking on the program, he said, “PREMIUM TIMES was allegedly paid ₦100 million to start this process.”

When pressed by anchor Kayode Okikiolu on who paid the money and if he had proof, Ngwu responded, “They were allegedly paid by the state government of Enugu State. That’s the person behind the mask.”

Despite repeated questions from the anchors, Ngwu failed to provide evidence, insisting only that “it was people who gave verbal confirmation” and that “we have our sources.”

In a swift reaction, Premium Times Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mojeed, dismissed the allegation as baseless and damaging, warning that the paper’s lawyers were already reviewing Ngwu’s remarks.

He said, “We are not a newspaper that you can unduly malign. We’ve built our integrity for close to 15 years. We’ve done a lot of great stories, and no one has ever accused us of that.

“People know us for that. Our practice is built solely on integrity, and not even a Robert Ngwu or Uche Nnaji can destroy it,” he said, pointing out that the newspaper’s lawyers were reviewing Mr Ngwu’s comments.

“He (Ngwu) will bring his evidence and tell us how the money was given and how it was received.”

Tinubu sheds political baggage as embattled minister Nnaji resigns.

President ‘accepted’ resignation, takes immediate effect, says aide
• CISLAC demands independent investigation into corruption claims
• HURIWA warns public trust eroding over alleged silence on misconduct
• Agbamuche-Mbu is INEC’s acting chair as Yakubu gets national honour
• Tinubu to chair FEC meeting after weeks of absence

President Bola Tinubu yesterday accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, drawing a line under a steadily escalating scandal and sparing his administration the weight of mounting political baggage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, stepped down following allegations of certificate forgery.

The resignation takes effect immediately.

In his resignation letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and stated that he had been the target of blackmail by his political opponents.

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed appreciation for Nnaji’s service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier visited the main campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in connection with allegations that the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nnaji, had forged his degree certificate.

The Guardian learnt that DSS officials questioned key university personnel, including Vice Chancellor Prof Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, and officials of the institution’s Examinations and Records Department.

I Don't Know Him But This Guy Is More Honourable Than Every Other Person In Cabinet- Farotimi.

Nigerian activist and author, Dele Farotimi has described the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji as the most honourable individual in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement was contained in a post that he shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

His statement is coming after Channels TV announced that Uche Nnaji has resigned from his position as the MInister of Innovation, Science and Technology over issues surrounding his certificates.

The report further stated that a painstaking two-year investigation that was carried out has shown that Nnaji allegedly forged the credentials that he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

However, Dele Farotimi has now stated that Uche Nnaji is an honourable person for resigning from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Here is what Dele Farotimi wrote on his official X handle;

"I don't know him and I don't send him but this guy is more honourable than every other person in the cabinet from which he has honourably resigned".

Minister Nnaji’s Alleged Certificate Forgery…We’ll Act After Court Verdict, Says Presidency.

As pressure continues to mount on the minister of science, technology, and innovation, Uche Nnaji, to resign over an alleged certificate forgery, the Presidency has said it will act after the court verdict.

According to the Presidency, a comment on the matter won’t be necessary since the matter is already before the court.

Reacting to LEADERSHIP’s inquiry on Monday, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the federal government would respect the judicial process and await the court’s verdict before taking any position.

“This matter is already in court. We should await the verdict of the court,” Onanuga told LEADERSHIP.

The clarification comes following revelations that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the certificate allegedly submitted by Nnaji.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the institution said records showed that Nnaji, with matriculation number 1981/30725, was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 but did not complete his studies.

Part of the letter reads: “From every available record and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current minister of science and technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study.

“Following the above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and, consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate in July 1985 to Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji.”

The university said its position was consistent with an earlier letter sent to the Public Complaints Commission on May 13, 2025, in response to a similar inquiry.

Certificate Scandal: Enugu Govt Distances Itself as Minister Uche Nnaji Faces Tough Questions Over Alleged Forgery
The Enugu State Government has strongly denied any involvement in the escalating certificate forgery scandal surrounding the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, calling on him to take responsibility and address the allegations personally.

The controversy deepened after Nnaji’s media aide, Robert Ngwu, accused Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of masterminding a smear campaign against his principal. Ngwu, at a press conference in Abuja, dismissed reports that Nnaji forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and NYSC certificates, describing them as “politically motivated lies.”

“All these sponsored attacks are being coordinated by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. The governor has given a new name to all his problems — Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji,” Ngwu alleged.



However, Governor Mbah swiftly rebutted the claims through his aides, urging the minister to face his own issues.

“Carry your cross,” Mbah said, stressing that his administration had no hand in the matter.


University Disowns Minister’s Certificate

The scandal stems from a Premium Times investigation revealing that UNN disowned Nnaji’s academic certificate. According to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, though Nnaji was admitted in 1981, there were no records showing that he graduated in 1985 as claimed.

“From our records, we cannot confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985,” Ortuanya said in a Freedom of Information response.



This contradicted an earlier letter from UNN’s Registrar, Celine Nnebedum, who had initially confirmed Nnaji’s graduation but later recanted, stating that his name was missing from the official list.

Legal Battle and Missing Records

Nnaji has since taken legal action against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and UNN, accusing them of withholding his transcript despite a court order.

Ngwu alleged that the minister’s academic file was being “kept under lock and key” in the Vice-Chancellor’s office, suggesting foul play.

He also downplayed concerns about discrepancies in Nnaji’s names, insisting that “Uchenna” and “Uchechukwu” are interchangeable in Igbo culture.

‘Carry Your Cross’

In a strongly worded statement, Enugu’s Director of Information, Chukwuemeka Nebo, dismissed Nnaji’s claims, saying the minister must answer to the allegations directly.

“The honourable minister must carry his own cross and clear his name before Nigerians instead of dragging the Enugu State Government into issues that are entirely personal to him,” Nebo said.


He criticized Nnaji for sending aides to address the media instead of speaking for himself, describing it as an attempt to “run from accountability.”

“Why invite journalists and then fail to show up? If he truly has nothing to hide, he should face the press and explain,” Nebo added.


Nebo went on to list several inconsistencies that demand clarification — including claims that Nnaji failed key university courses, presented questionable NYSC documents, and submitted only his WASC certificate to INEC during the 2023 governorship race.

He also questioned the authenticity of the NYSC discharge certificate, which bore the signature of Col. Animashaun Braimoh, who only became NYSC Director-General two years after Nnaji’s supposed service year.

“If the minister himself swore in an affidavit that UNN never issued him a certificate, Nigerians deserve to know how he obtained the one he presented to the Senate,” Nebo stated.

As calls for transparency grow, both the public and media are urging Minister Nnaji to address the controversy head-on. The Enugu Government maintains it has no hand in the saga, emphasizing that the truth must come directly from the minister himself.

“These are questions Nigerians are asking,” Nebo concluded. “If Chief Nnaji is innocent, let him come forward and prove it.”

NUC published list of 58 fake universities warn students against valid decree.

Commission alerts security agencies, lists unaccredited institutions, and probes eight more universities over illegal programmes.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has released a comprehensive list of 58 illegal universities operating across Nigeria, warning parents and students to steer clear of such institutions or risk obtaining worthless certificates.
In a public notice, the Commission described the listed institutions as “degree mills” with no legal approval to run academic programmes in the country. “For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk,” the NUC declared.
The Commission further disclosed that security and law enforcement agencies have been alerted to take action against operators of the unapproved institutions. It also revealed that eight more universities are currently under investigation for allegedly running unauthorised degree programmes.
Among the blacklisted schools are the University of Accountancy and Management Studies; Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra; University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos; Royal University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; United Christian University, Imo; UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers; Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos; Columbus University, UK (with study centres in Nigeria); and several others.
The NUC emphasised that only duly accredited universities are authorised to award degrees in Nigeria, urging prospective students to always verify the status of institutions before seeking admission.
With the rise of fake universities targeting unsuspecting students, education stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger monitoring, enforcement, and public awareness to protect Nigeria’s higher education system from academic fraud

China Launches Flexible K Visa to Attract Scientists, Engineers and Innovators Worldwide days after U.S. increased H-1B visa to $100,000.

China has announced the launch of a new K visa programme to attract global STEM professionals, effective October 1, 2025. The initiative is part of Beijing’s broader “Talent Power Strategy” aimed at boosting innovation and competitiveness.

Unlike traditional work visas, the K visa provides greater flexibility. Holders can take part in employment, education, research, cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, and business collaborations without needing employer sponsorship a major shift that benefits independent researchers and innovators.

Eligibility will be based on academic qualifications (minimum bachelor’s degree), age, and professional experience, though full details are yet to be released. China hopes the scheme will strengthen its scientific workforce and enhance its standing as a global hub for technology and innovation.

The rollout comes as the U.S. tightens its H-1B visa system with steep fee hikes reportedly up to $100,000 annually creating barriers for many foreign professionals. Analysts view China’s K visa as a strategic counter, positioning itself as a more accessible destination for international talent.

The new visa reflects China’s ambition to compete directly with the U.S. and Europe for STEM experts. If effectively implemented, it could attract top talent and accelerate China’s drive to lead in science and technology, though much will depend on its execution and global reception.

Tinubu’s Brazil Visit Could Unlock $30bn Investments – Gov. Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil has the potential to attract over $30 billion in fresh investments into Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking with journalists in Brasília, Sani disclosed that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, targeting key sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and science and technology.

“We’re looking at more than 30 billion dollars in investments in agriculture, food security, aviation, and airspace collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil,” he said.

The governor also noted that new agreements in diplomacy, innovation, and renewable energy would further diversify Nigeria’s economy, describing them as sectors that had been largely neglected in the past but are now gaining attention under Tinubu’s leadership.

Sani observed that Brazil’s ongoing trade tensions with the United States presented Nigeria with a unique opportunity to emerge as a strategic partner, particularly as Africa’s largest economy.

He credited Tinubu’s recent economic reforms for rebuilding investor confidence, especially the decision to clear a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog.

“No investor wants to come in if they can’t repatriate their funds. Clearing the $7 billion forex backlog was critical,” he said, commending the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts.

Governor Sani urged Nigerians to support the administration’s economic agenda, stressing that the reforms were designed to deliver long-term growth and national development.