News

FG Begins Payment Of Three-year Salary Arrears to 1,700 College Teachers

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2025

Editor

After six years of waiting, teachers and education officers in Federal Unity Colleges owed three years of salary arrears have begun receiving payments, The Guardian can authoritatively report.

Over 1,700 employees recruited into the Federal Government Unity Colleges between 2019 and 2021 were affected by the backlog.

In 2023, The Guardian reported that the teachers protested at the Federal Ministry of Education, demanding payment of their arrears after several unacknowledged appeals to the government.

It has now been confirmed that the Federal Government has commenced disbursement of the arrears, with some affected teachers already receiving alerts.

A reliable source told The Guardian that payment started on Tuesday in batches.

“They have commenced clearing our long-overdue salary arrears. They began yesterday (Tuesday) in batches,” the source said.

Confirming the development, Bobby Mark Winful, who spoke on behalf of the Coordination Team for Salary Arrears Officers (2018–2020 Sets), commended the Federal Government for resolving the long-standing issue that had caused hardship to affected teachers and their families.

Winful expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Budget Office, and other relevant authorities for their roles in ensuring the commencement of payments after years of advocacy and engagement.

He said, “Indeed, it has been by God’s mercy that we have come this far, and today, we witness the long-awaited commencement of payment of salary arrears for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 sets.

“This moment is not just a financial relief; it is a testimony of collective perseverance, unity, and faith.

“To our task force members, we extend our deepest appreciation. Your tireless efforts, countless travels, sleepless nights, and unyielding resolve made this progress possible.

“To all our representatives across the Federal Unity Colleges, thank you for coordinating your schools and members with patience and leadership. You were the bridge between the officers and the process, ensuring that communication and cooperation flowed seamlessly.

“This success story is one of collective effort and divine timing. It proves that when people of purpose unite under a just cause, no obstacle is insurmountable. Together, we have turned patience into progress and struggle into celebration.”

Winful urged members to sustain the spirit of unity and commitment that led to the breakthrough, expressing optimism that the milestone would pave the way for greater achievements.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

32 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.