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JSS, SSS Not Scrapped – FG Clears the Air

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified a recent proposal which seeks to introduce a 12-year basic education system, against the current 6-3-3 structure.

According to the ministry, the proposal presented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, at the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, was merely a discussion point and not an immediate policy change.

The proposal seeks to eliminate the examination barrier between Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) levels. This would allow students to progress seamlessly without external assessments at that stage.

However, the ministry has emphasized that this proposal is still subject to further consultation and deliberation.

The statement on Friday said, “At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on 6 February 2025 in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented a proposal for discussion — not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to transition to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.

“A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing students to progress seamlessly without external assessments at that stage. However, this remains subject to further consultation and deliberation.

“To ensure a well-informed decision, the ministry will undertake extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months, consulting education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players. The final decision on whether to adopt this reform will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.

“The ministry urges the public to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices.”

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Bandits
Headlines

FG releases Toll-Free emergency number for reporting kidnapping

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Government on Thursday, February 6, announced the activation of a toll-free emergency number for citizens to report cases of kidnapping and other related security threats.

Major General Adamu Laka, the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre said the activation of the toll-free line is part of government’s effort to ending the incessant ransom-driven kidnappings.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Laka said the Nigerian Communications Commission has facilitated an emergency response number, 112.

Laka urged all Nigerians to support the government by reporting suspicious activities of criminals and perceived cases of kidnapping using the toll-free number.

Laka said, “The NCTC calls on all Nigerians to report suspicious activities, crimes, and kidnappings by calling the toll-free number 112, including the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell’s designated numbers that will be provided to the public.

“Kidnapping for ransom remains a critical challenge requiring collective and intensified efforts by all stakeholders. While significant progress was achieved in 2024, sustained commitment and innovative approaches are imperative to mitigate the menace in 2025,” he stated.

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Headlines

FG exempts Police, Military Vehicle from paying at Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi Tollgate

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government on Tuesday February 4 announced its plan to begin tolling on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway.

The announcement which was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi while inaugurating the new tolling regime at Garaku Toll Station, Nasarawa State, will range from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles.

According to Umahi, the revenue generated from the new tolling system would be used for the maintenance of all Federal Roads across the country.

The minister who was represented by his junior colleague, Bello Goronyo described the road corridor as crucial for the economic, social, and strategic development of Nigeria.

He said, “The collection of tolls will generate much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of our roads.

It is important to state that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule for the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway has been gazetted as follows: Saloon Cars would be tolled for N500; SUVs/Jeeps N800; minibuses N1000; and multi-axle vehicles, N1,600.

“However, frequent road users like commercial light vehicles as defined under the Federal Highway Act would enjoy a 50 per cent discount,” the minister stated.

Also, vehicles belonging to the police, military and other essential agencies will be exempted from the new tolling system.

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Tinubu
Health

FG Approves N4.8bn for HIV Treatment Following U.S. Aid Suspension

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a N4.8 billion funding package to sustain HIV treatment programs across Nigeria.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate made the announcement on Monday, following an FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The approved funds will cover the procurement of 150,000 treatment packs for HIV patients over the next four months. This move, according to Pate, reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations, despite the challenges posed by shifting international support.

“The Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV patients has been approved, with a total of N4.8 billion allocated for the procurement of 150,000 treatment packs over four months.

“This is an important signal that the federal government is committed to ensuring that life-saving treatments remain accessible, despite the changing dynamics in external support,” Pate stated.

The minister acknowledged the contributions made by the U.S. over the past two decades but stressed that Nigeria is preparing to reduce its reliance on foreign aid.

“While we greatly appreciate the contributions of the U.S. government over the last 20 years and look forward to continued collaboration, Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is focused on transforming the health sector through national systems and domestic financing.

“Our goal is to ensure that no patient currently receiving treatment is left without care,” he said.

Mr Pate also announced the establishment of a committee tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan for the continuity of critical health programs. The committee will include representatives from various ministries and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

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Headlines

Get ready for fresh electricity tariff hike, FG tells Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government says plans are ongoing to increase electricity tariffs “over the next few months”.

It, however, said that the planned increase needed to be balanced by subsidies for less-affluent electricity users.

Bloomberg quoted the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, as giving this hint at the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Nigeria presented a $32 billion plan to expand electricity connections by 2030.

According to the presidential aide, Nigeria is trying to resolve the transition to a cost-efficient but cost-reflective tariff to attract private investors.

She said: “One of the key challenges we’re looking to resolve over the next few months is transitioning to a cost-efficient but cost-reflective tariff.

“So the sector generates revenue required to attract private capital, while also protecting the poor and vulnerable.”

Last year, the federal government approved a threefold increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

The fresh move to raise tariffs comes amid mounting pressure from Nigeria’s debt-burdened electricity distribution companies for tariffs to be cost-reflective so they can improve their finances.

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Headlines

We are working to end ‘Miracle Examination Centres’ In Nigeria – FG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has announced plans to put an end to ‘Miracle Examination Centres’ across the country.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Alausa, the Tinubu administration is determined to tackle the menace of examination malpractice head-on. He noted that the government has a problem with examination malpractice, which is unacceptable as it disincentivises hardworking students.

“We have problem with examination malpractice which we are addressing frontally as a government.

“This is not acceptable because if you let people cheat, you will disincentivise the hardworking people.

“We will tackle this issue of miracle centre, this pervasive exam cheating decisively.

“We would bring a complete end to this menace that has really invaded our educational system,” he added.

The Minister also revealed that the government has worked on a plan to train five universities that would also train other public institutions nationwide. This, he said, is aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria’s tertiary system.

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Tinubu
Headlines

FG Approves Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Leading reporters reports that the proposed institution is expected to promote technological, vocational, and entrepreneurial training.

This is according to a letter dated January 9, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In the letter, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s plan to ensure each state in the federation has one federal polytechnic. The letter was received by the office of the FCT minister on January 16, 2025.

The Minister of Education has requested Wike to suggest proposed locations for the temporary and permanent sites of the polytechnic in Gwarinpa. A technical team from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education will visit the sites to review and inspect the recommended locations.

The letter reads:

“I write to inform your Excellency that The National Policy envisaged the establishment of one Federal Polytechnic in each state of the Federation to promote Technological, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Training.

“2. Consequently, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Gwarinpa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“3. In view of the above, your Excellency is kindly requested to suggest the proposed locations for the Temporary and Permanent sites in Gwarinpa for take off.

“4. In addition, the Technical Team from Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) would be visiting the sites to review and inspect the recommended locations, and based on the Report presented by the Team, the approval will be given.

“5. Perhaps, I should add that the Ministry, at this point encourages takeover of existing Tertiary institutions if the Minister wishes.

“6. Please, accept the assurances of my esteem regards.”

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Headlines

FG Reveals When Tax Bills Will Be Passed, Implemented

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government has announced that the National Assembly will pass the controversial tax reform bills into law by the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

The disclosure was made by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms over the weekend.

He said the implementation of the tax reform bills will commence in July 2025.

President Bola Tinubu submitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on October 13, 2024, amidst criticism from leaders, particularly from those who labelled the bills as anti-north.

However, the bills recently received the backing of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), which also proposed a new “equitable” sharing formula for Value Added Tax (VAT).

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Headlines

2025 budget: FG to spend N60bn to feed pupils in primary schools

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government has allocated the sum of N60 billion in the 2025 budget for school nutrition feeding of primary schools as one of the new projects to be executed by the Federal Ministry of Education under its Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP)

Recall that the immediate past minister of education has hinted that the school feeding programme will be handled by the ministry, which was where it originally started before it was moved to the Presidency.

The Federal Ministry of Education was allotted the sum of over N348 billion out of the total allocation of over N2. 517 trillion for the sector, which is among the highest but yet to meet the World Bank 20 to 30 per cent recommendation.

Further breakdown of the ministry’s budget for new project include the allocation of N50 billion was allocated to support the daunting Out of School Children (OSC) project while N1, 000,000,000 billion was dedicated for provision of learning materials resources for basic and secondary schools across the 36 states and the FCT as well as provision of modern learning material for 118 federal unity colleges.

In addition, the ministry also budgeted N5, 000,000, 000 billion for the development and upskilling of teachers on the new curriculum and modern ways of teaching in 112 federal unity colleges in the country.

Also, the sum of N30, 000, 000 million is allocated for sustainable scalable and equitable science laboratory equipment in 120 unity schools.

Also, under its ERGP the ministry also allocated N420, 000, 000 million for the induction of 3,500 newly recruited teachers on acculturation into the school system and practice.

Another new project to be undertaken by the ministry is Smart/Digital school education programme, which a total of N415, 000, 000 is assigned to, this is in addition to the provision of 300 numbers of 3 in1 desktop computer to the sum of N300, 000, 000 million, while the provision of 50 Corei7 laptop will gulp the sum of N100, 000, 000 million.

Also, N85, 000, 000 million will be dedicated to providing 100 printers and another N80, 000, 000 million was allocated for another 40 numbers of 3 in1 desktop computers and printers.

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Headlines

Federal Government spends N1.4 billion on rehabilitation of terrorists

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has allocated approximately N1.4 billion for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and the establishment of terrorism trial centres over the past year and a half.

Following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill on May 12, 2022, the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) was established.

In December 2022, the government announced plans to build two disarmament, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration centres for former Boko Haram members and other terrorist factions.

Punch reports that Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), the coordinator of the NCTC, confirmed to the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that N2.4bn would be allocated to these centres as part of the NCTC’s N3.8bn capital projects for 2023.

According to data from the GovSpend platform, between December 2022 and May 2024, the Ministry of Justice expended a total of N1.4bn on these rehabilitation centres and the renovation of facilities for terrorism trials.

This included N612m spent in March 2023 to renovate abandoned structures for terrorism trials and build dormitories for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists under Operation Safe Corridor.

In 2024, an additional N179m was spent on similar projects, including the procurement of equipment to aid terrorism case prosecutions.

Meanwhile, the NCTC recently announced that it had secured 325 convictions during the Phase 5 and Phase 6 trials at the Kainji Detention Facility. Convictions ranged from the death penalty to life imprisonment, with sentences depending on the severity of the crimes committed.

Despite this, concerns have arisen over the secretive nature of these trials. Security experts and civil society organizations have raised questions about why such trials are conducted behind closed doors, given the gravity of the crimes involved.

Some argue that transparency is critical for public trust, while others believe that secrecy is necessary for security reasons. The government has yet to provide a clear explanation for this approach.

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