News

UTME: FG Sponsors 37 Blind Candidates For Examination In Bauchi

Published

5 months ago

April 29, 2025

The Federal Government, through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sponsored 37 blind candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bauchi state.

Speaking to journalists at the examination centre in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Deputy Coordinator, UTME Bauchi Centre for the Blind, Prof. Hadiza Bazza from the University of Maiduguri, said that the move was part of the Federal Government’s effort to provide equal opportunities for persons with special needs to achieve their educational dreams.

According to her, the candidates were drawn from four states of the Northeast zone of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe.

She explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) introduced the special UTME Equal Opportunity Group program for the blind in 2017.

The initiative, she said, was championed by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who recognised the need to support candidates living with disabilities, especially the blind and physically challenged.

“He saw that there are many persons with disabilities, the blind, the crippled, and others who, if given the opportunity, can perform excellently instead of ending up on the streets begging,” she said.

Prof. Hadiza added that it is the prayer of the JAMB Registrar that every blind student who completed secondary education could register and sit for the UTME.

She explained that the examination is offered free of charge to all blind candidates, with the federal government covering transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other logistics.

“When they pass the exam, universities admit them. Some universities have special education faculties with trained teachers capable of handling the unique needs of these students,” she said.

She however, expressed concern that while the government at the highest level was doing well to support blind candidates, many stakeholders at the grassroots, particularly parents, were not doing enough in this regard.

She urged stakeholders to create more awareness among communities to encourage persons with disabilities to access available educational opportunities, stressing that greater awareness would lead to higher participation in future UTME examinations.

The deputy coordinator also advised candidates to remain calm and motivated during the exams, emphasizing the importance of discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu, lamented that despite the state government’s investment in building schools, enrollment figures remain low.

“Unfortunately, our people are yet to realise that without education, nothing can progress,” he said.

He assured that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), would design a comprehensive enlightenment programme to encourage school enrollment, particularly among persons with disabilities.

“Many people do not realise that being disabled does not mean you cannot be educated. You can still attend school.

“Although, as I said, there is a lack of willingness among our people to pursue education, but with proper enlightenment, many persons with disabilities will be encouraged to attend,” he assured.

On his part, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, commended the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group for their efforts in uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities.

He urged parents to support their children, especially those living with disabilities, to develop their potential and secure a brighter future.

The Commissioner also assured that the Bauchi State Government would intensify awareness campaigns to ensure more parents and guardians take advantage of the special JAMB programmes available.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

17 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

18 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

18 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.