Abuja, Nigeria — A prominent Nollywood actor, Stanley Amandi, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a foiled conspiracy to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, security sources confirmed.
According to investigations, Amandi — a filmmaker and former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Enugu State — was recruited by suspected coup plotters to serve as a key propagandist, assisting in messaging efforts ahead of the planned takeover.
The alleged coup was uncovered in late September 2025 through a coordinated intelligence operation led by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS). The operation resulted in the arrest of several serving military officers and civilians.
The Defence Headquarters has since confirmed that its investigation identified a number of officers with credible allegations of planning to unlawfully remove the Tinubu administration. Those implicated are set to be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.
Sources familiar with the case said the plot reportedly included plans to target top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House, among others, though the operation was neutralised before it could be executed.
Amandi’s arrest, which occurred in September 2025 but was only publicly disclosed recently, marks a rare instance of a civilian — outside the military ranks — being linked to the alleged conspiracy.
The military has emphasised that its actions are in accordance with established procedures and designed to uphold discipline and constitutional order within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
As proceedings continue, military personnel will face court-martial where applicable, while civilian suspects are expected to be prosecuted in regular courts.
Ile-Ife, Osun State — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 50 buses and 30 tricycles to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in a major intervention aimed at addressing transportation challenges within the sprawling campus.
The donation, which includes compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses, is designed to improve mobility for students, staff and visitors, while also promoting cleaner and more cost-effective transportation.
Speaking during the unveiling and commissioning of the vehicles, representatives of the First Lady said the gesture was part of her commitment to supporting education, easing the welfare burden on students and enhancing learning environments in tertiary institutions.
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, expressed deep appreciation to Mrs Tinubu, describing the donation as timely and impactful. According to him, inadequate transportation has long been a major concern for the university community, and the new buses and tricycles will significantly reduce delays, overcrowding and transport costs on campus.
Also speaking, the Students’ Union leadership hailed the intervention, noting that transportation difficulties have often affected lecture attendance and overall campus life. They described the donation as a welcome relief that would positively impact academic and social activities.
The event attracted dignitaries, including traditional rulers and government officials, among them the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Osun State First Lady, who commended Mrs Tinubu for her continuous support for education and youth development.
The donation fulfils a pledge earlier made by the First Lady and underscores her broader advocacy for sustainable development, education advancement and improved welfare across Nigeria’s institutions.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong clarification to intending Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates, stressing that disclosure of previous admission status is now compulsory and non-negotiable under the 2026 admission guidelines.
According to JAMB, disclosure of previous admission means that every UTME candidate must truthfully declare whether they have ever been offered admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution, regardless of whether such admission was accepted, rejected, deferred, or abandoned.
The Board explained that any admission offered through JAMB CAPS at any time in the past counts as a previous admission, even if the candidate did not resume at the institution or pay acceptance fees.
What Qualifies as Previous Admission
JAMB clarified that candidates are required to disclose if they have:
Ever been offered admission via JAMB CAPS
Accepted or rejected an admission offer
Deferred admission
Gained admission but did not resume
Are currently studying in a university, polytechnic, or college of education
The Board emphasised that failure to resume after admission does not cancel the admission automatically.
Why the Policy Was Introduced
JAMB said the policy is aimed at:
Eliminating cases of multiple admissions by a single candidate
Preventing waste of limited admission slots
Cleaning up the national admissions database
Promoting transparency and accountability in the admission process
The Board noted that several candidates in previous years secretly held multiple admissions, depriving other qualified applicants of opportunities.
Withdrawal Is Mandatory for Fresh UTME
Candidates who have been previously admitted but wish to seek a new admission through UTME are required to:
Formally withdraw from the former institution
Ensure the withdrawal is properly reflected on JAMB CAPS
Only then proceed with UTME registration
JAMB warned that failure to follow this process could result in automatic disqualification, even if the candidate performs excellently in UTME and post-UTME examinations.
Consequences of False Declaration
The examination body cautioned that candidates who fail to disclose previous admission or provide false information risk:
Disqualification from the admission process
Blocking of their JAMB CAPS profile
Cancellation of newly offered admission
Possible restriction from future admission exercises
JAMB stressed that its systems are fully integrated and capable of detecting inconsistencies in candidates’ records.
Who Is Not Affected
Candidates who have never been offered admission, or those who properly withdrew from previous admissions, are not affected by the policy.
Final Warning to Candidates
JAMB advised all UTME candidates to verify their admission status on JAMB CAPS before registration and ensure full compliance with the disclosure requirement.
The Board reiterated that disclosure does not automatically disqualify candidates, but dishonesty will.
“Honesty remains the safest path for every admission seeker,” JAMB stated.
As registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) gathers momentum, education stakeholders have warned candidates to be vigilant and avoid common mistakes that could jeopardise their chances of sitting for the examination or gaining admission into tertiary institutions.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has consistently noted that many candidates lose admission opportunities yearly—not due to poor scores, but because of avoidable registration errors. With heightened data verification tied to the National Identification Number (NIN), accuracy and early preparation have become more crucial than ever.
Below are some of the major errors candidates are advised to avoid during the 2026 UTME registration:
Use of Wrong Phone Number or Email Address
Candidates are strongly advised to register with their personal and active phone numbers and email addresses. Using a third party’s contact details can result in missed notifications, inability to retrieve profile information, and loss of access to vital JAMB updates.
Incorrect Profile Code Generation
Errors often occur when candidates fail to follow the prescribed SMS format for generating their JAMB profile code. The correct procedure is to send “NIN [space] Your 11-digit NIN” to 55019 or 66019 using the candidate’s own phone number. Any deviation may lead to failed or delayed registration.
Mismatch of Personal Details
Names, date of birth, and gender must align perfectly with records on NIMC, WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, and other official documents. Discrepancies can lead to disqualification during admission screening.
Failure to Correct NIMC Data Before Registration
Candidates with errors on their NIN records are advised to resolve them at NIMC offices before initiating UTME registration, as JAMB relies heavily on NIMC data and post-registration changes are limited.
Wrong Subject Combination
Selecting UTME subjects not approved for an intended course remains one of the most damaging mistakes. Candidates are urged to consult the official JAMB brochure to confirm correct subject combinations.
Choosing Institutions That Do Not Offer the Intended Course
Some candidates unknowingly select institutions that do not run their chosen programmes, leading to automatic disqualification during admission processing.
Registration at Unaccredited CBT Centres
JAMB has warned against registering at roadside cybercafés or unapproved centres. Only JAMB-accredited CBT centres are authorised to conduct UTME registration to prevent errors, fraud, or data manipulation.
Poor Biometric Capture and Passport Photograph
Blurred passport photos or incomplete fingerprint capture can affect registration validity and even cause problems on examination day. Candidates are advised to ensure proper biometric enrolment.
Failure to Verify Information on the Dual Screen
Before final submission, candidates are shown their details on a dual-screen system. Experts stress that this is the last opportunity to detect and correct errors before registration is concluded.
Incorrect O’Level Result Entry
Wrong grades, subjects, examination numbers, or years can invalidate a candidate’s admission chances. Candidates should enter results carefully or use the “awaiting result” option where applicable.
Late Registration
Waiting until the deadline increases exposure to network failures, overcrowded CBT centres, and rushed mistakes. Early registration allows time for corrections and better exam centre selection.
Experts’ Advice
Education consultants advise candidates to approach UTME registration with the same seriousness as the examination itself, noting that “a single error can cost a candidate an entire academic year.”
As the 2026 UTME approaches, candidates are urged to stay informed, follow official guidelines strictly, and seek assistance only from approved channels to safeguard their future academic aspirations.
As the world marks World Leprosy Day 2026, the Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Initiative Nigeria (LTR) has issued a powerful call for urgent national action, warning that stigma, neglect, and chronic underfunding — not medicine — are now the biggest barriers to ending leprosy in Nigeria.
With the global theme, “Leprosy is curable. The real challenge is stigma,” LTR stressed that science has long solved the medical problem of leprosy, yet society continues to fail those affected. Fear, discrimination, and misinformation still push people into hiding, delay treatment, and cause preventable disabilities.
“Leprosy no longer destroys lives by itself — stigma does,” LTR said. “It separates families, destroys livelihoods, and robs people of dignity long after they are cured.”
LTR emphasised that leprosy is caused by bacteria, that treatment is free and effective, and that early diagnosis prevents disability. However, in many communities across Nigeria, deep-seated prejudice forces people to conceal their illness, avoid health facilities, and suffer in silence.
Despite Nigeria remaining among countries that report new leprosy cases every year, funding for leprosy control, rehabilitation, and social reintegration remains dangerously low. According to LTR, this persistent underinvestment weakens early case detection, contact tracing, disability prevention, community education, and welfare support.
“Neglecting leprosy because it affects the poorest and most marginalised Nigerians is not an accident — it is a policy failure and a moral failure,” the organisation warned.
Beyond medical treatment, LTR noted that many persons affected by leprosy live with permanent disabilities, inadequate housing, limited access to social protection, and lifelong discrimination. Cure alone, the organisation said, does not guarantee dignity.
“A health response that ends at treatment but ignores rehabilitation and reintegration leaves people healed, yet abandoned,” LTR stated.
The organisation also condemned the continued existence of dilapidated leprosy colonies across Nigeria, describing many as overcrowded, unsafe, and lacking basic amenities. According to LTR, these conditions reinforce stigma and segregation rather than restore dignity and inclusion.
“In 2026, it is unacceptable that Nigerians affected by a curable disease are still forced to live in conditions that deny their humanity,” LTR said, calling for modern, humane, and inclusive approaches that prioritise rehabilitation, social protection, and reintegration into society.
Drawing on over four decades of experience inherited from the Netherlands Leprosy Relief legacy, LTR said it continues to support leprosy and tuberculosis control in several states through early detection, post-exposure prophylaxis, training of health workers and community volunteers, disability prevention, and stigma-reduction initiatives. While progress is possible, the organisation stressed that it cannot be sustained without political will and adequate funding.
On World Leprosy Day 2026, LTR called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently increase domestic funding for leprosy control, rehabilitation, and welfare services; urged donors and development partners to sustain investments in elimination and stigma reduction; challenged the media to stop harmful stereotypes and amplify dignity-centred narratives; and appealed to communities and faith leaders to reject myths and stand for inclusion.
“Ending leprosy is no longer just a medical obligation — it is a test of our commitment to human dignity, equity, and justice,” LTR declared.
The organisation concluded that World Leprosy Day must be a turning point, not a symbolic gesture.
“Leprosy is curable,” LTR said. “What remains is the courage to confront stigma, the willingness to invest, and the resolve to act — now.”
Regulatory Shift to Formalise Nationwide Operations
Lagos, Nigeria – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has formally upgraded the operating licences of several major financial technology companies and microfinance banks to national status, empowering them to operate legally across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The move reflects the rapid expansion of digital financial services and aims to align regulatory frameworks with real-world market footprints.
The announcement was made today by Yemi Solaja, Director of the Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department at the CBN, during the annual Committee of Heads of Banks’ Operations (CHBOs) conference in Lagos.
Major Winners: Nigeria’s FinTech and MFB Innovators
Under the licence upgrade, several industry leaders now hold national operating licences, including:
Opay – Mobile payments and financial services
Moniepoint Microfinance Bank – Business and personal financial services
Kuda Bank – Digital-first banking platform
Palmpay – Mobile money and payment ecosystem
Paga – Payment and money transfer solutions
These companies had organically expanded nationwide through mobile technologies and agent networks, outgrowing their former regional licences.
Closing the Regulatory Gap
CBN’s regulatory review found a growing mismatch between the licences held by digital operators and their actual breadth of operations — many institutions were effectively functioning nationwide despite limited licence categories. The upgrade seeks to bridge this gap, ensuring that legal authorisation matches commercial reality.
Solaja noted that the upgrade is not automatic; firms must satisfy strict regulatory standards in areas such as capital adequacy, governance, risk management and compliance before qualifying.
What the National Licence Means
The transition to national licence status brings enhanced regulatory expectations:
Stricter Capital and Compliance Standards
Microfinance banks now require a minimum capital base of ₦5 billion, up from ₦2 billion for lower tiers.
Firms must adhere to robust compliance and reporting frameworks to protect customers and financial stability.
Physical Presence and Customer Support
Even digital-first operators will need physical service points in strategic locations to support customers, particularly those in the informal sector who may prefer in-person assistance.
Boosting Financial Inclusion and Consumer Confidence
According to the CBN, aligning licences with operational reach enhances consumer protection and accountability. Clear regulatory oversight is essential as millions of Nigerians increasingly rely on digital finance for everyday transactions.
Experts believe the move will:
Deepen financial inclusion by legitimising and supervising platforms serving underserved segments.
Strengthen trust and stability in the fintech ecosystem.
Encourage stronger collaboration between traditional banks and fintechs to reduce cash outside the formal banking system.
Dr. Emmanuel Ojo, a financial policy analyst, described the upgrade as a “necessary regulatory catch-up” that supports sustainable sector growth and increased consumer protection.
A Strategic Regulatory Calibration
The CBN’s licence upgrades come amid broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s financial sector and improve oversight in the face of digital transformation. As fintech platforms continue to reshape financial access and usage, regulatory bodies are responding with frameworks designed to balance innovation with prudential safeguards.
Abuja — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released the full names of 16 senior and mid-level officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces indicted by a Special Investigative Panel over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The officers, drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, were said to have been found with “cases to answer” following months of investigation into activities considered contrary to military professionalism and national security.
In a statement referenced by Vanguard, the DHQ disclosed that the investigation was concluded after extensive intelligence gathering and internal reviews, paving the way for court-martial proceedings in line with military laws and procedures.
Full List of Indicted Officers
Those indicted include:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji
Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu
Lieutenant Colonel Dangnan
Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura
Major A. J. Ibrahim
Major M. M. Jiddah
Major M. A. Usman
Major D. Yusuf
Major I. Dauda
Captain I. Bello
Captain A. A. Yusuf
Lieutenant S. S. Felix
Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)
Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force)
Military Confirms Judicial Process
The DHQ emphasised that the indictment does not amount to a conviction, stressing that the officers will be given the opportunity to defend themselves before a competent military court.
Military authorities also reiterated their commitment to constitutional order, democratic governance and civilian control of the armed forces, warning that any act of disloyalty or insubordination would be dealt with decisively.
Background
Reports of an alleged coup plot first surfaced in late 2025, triggering widespread speculation. At the time, the military denied claims of an imminent coup, describing the arrests as internal disciplinary matters.
However, fresh disclosures in early 2026 confirmed that the investigation uncovered serious allegations, including attempts to undermine constituted authority, leading to the formal indictment of the officers involved.
The DHQ assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain united, professional and loyal to President Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have formally rejected the Federal Government’s recent announcement that smart prepaid meters must be provided and installed free of charge for all electricity consumers, sparking industry concerns over funding, cost recovery and implementation clarity.
The directive came from Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who, during an inspection of newly imported smart meters, declared that no customer should pay for meters or installation — labeling any demand for payment by DisCos or installers as illegal and punishable. The rollout is part of the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, which aims to distribute about 3.4 million meters nationwide.
However, senior sources within several DisCos have described the minister’s pronouncement as unrealistic and inadequately thought-through, cautioning that it fails to address the practical costs and logistics of the programme.
Cost Burden and Installation Gap
DisCo officials told journalists that despite the rhetoric of “free meters,” the cost of the meters themselves — along with installation fees — ultimately still needs to be borne by someone. According to operators, the current understanding is that DisCos would be expected to pay for the meters over a period of about ten years.
“Meter installers are not employees of the DisCos. Someone has to pay them if consumers don’t,” one DisCo source stated, stressing that the government’s announcement did not clarify who would foot the actual bill for installation and logistics.
Risk to Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme
Another key concern raised by DisCos is the potential threat to the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme — a long-running initiative where private meter providers install meters and recover costs through energy credits over time.
Operators warned that customers may now abandon the MAP option altogether, having been told that meters are free, which could undermine a market-driven approach to closing Nigeria’s metering gap.
DisCos have called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to engage stakeholders promptly to clarify who pays for what and to lay out which groups of customers are truly eligible for the free meters so as to prevent confusion and protect existing schemes.
Call for Transparency and Cost-Recovery Framework
Stakeholders emphasised that while the goal of metering all customers is commendable, cost recovery, financial viability, and implementation details cannot be overlooked. Questions remain on whether the Federal Government will subsidise the programme, how the costs will be reflected in tariffs, and how installers will be compensated.
As the debate continues, industry players urge urgent consultations between DisCos, government ministries, regulators and meter manufacturers to iron out a workable plan that balances social objectives with financial realities.
As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) commenced its latest orientation exercise across the country, anxiety has gripped prospective corps members and their families following rising insecurity in several states classified as high-risk.
Findings show that the opening of orientation camps in parts of the North and North-Central regions has been overshadowed by fears of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, which have intensified in recent months. States such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Plateau, Yobe, Borno, Kogi and parts of Kwara have witnessed recurring security challenges, raising concerns about the safety of newly mobilised graduates.
Several corps members who spoke on the development recounted harrowing journeys to their respective camps, describing long road trips marked by tension and uncertainty due to reports of attacks along major highways. Some said their families strongly opposed their deployment to volatile areas but eventually allowed them to report after assurances from NYSC officials.
At various orientation camps, a heavy presence of security personnel—including soldiers, police officers and other security agencies—was observed. Authorities say these measures were put in place to reassure corps members and prevent any breach of security during the three-week orientation programme. In some states, camps were relocated to safer locations closer to state capitals to reduce exposure to threats.
Despite the security arrangements, many parents and stakeholders have continued to express concern, urging the Federal Government and state authorities to prioritise the safety of corps members throughout their service year. Education advocates have also called for a review of deployment policies to minimise postings to areas with persistent security risks.
NYSC officials, however, have maintained that the scheme is working closely with security agencies nationwide to ensure the protection of corps members. They advised participants to remain vigilant, comply with safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel or public disclosure of their locations.
As thousands of young Nigerians embark on the mandatory national service, the prevailing insecurity has once again highlighted the broader challenge facing the country—balancing national integration objectives with the urgent need to guarantee the safety of its citizens.
The University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have emerged as the highest-ranked Nigerian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, reaffirming their positions as the country’s leading institutions of higher learning.
The 2026 rankings, released by Times Higher Education, assessed more than 1,900 universities across 108 countries, using key performance indicators such as teaching quality, research output, citations, international outlook and industry income.
According to the ranking, UI and UNILAG are the only Nigerian universities placed within the 801–1000 global ranking band, making them the country’s best-performing institutions on the global stage.
Top Nigerian Universities in THE World University Rankings 2026
801–1000 Global Ranking Band
University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
1001–1200 Global Ranking Band
Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
Covenant University
Landmark University
1201–1500 Global Ranking Band
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
Federal University of Technology, Minna
University of Ilorin
University of Jos
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
1501+ Global Ranking Band
Babcock University
Delta State University, Abraka
Ekiti State University
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Calabar (UNICAL)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) (and other Nigerian universities listed in the 1501+ category)
Nigeria’s Global Standing
In total, over 50 Nigerian universities were featured in the 2026 THE rankings, although many were placed in broad ranking bands rather than precise positions. Despite increased participation, no Nigerian university made the global top 500, highlighting ongoing challenges in research funding, infrastructure, international collaboration and academic citations.
Education analysts note that private universities such as Covenant University and Landmark University continue to perform strongly in research impact, while older public universities dominate in teaching reputation and historical influence.
About the Ranking
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are regarded as one of the most influential global university assessment systems, alongside QS and ARWU. The rankings rely heavily on research quality and citations, areas where African universities — including those in Nigeria — continue to face structural and funding limitations.
Conclusion
While UI and UNILAG remain Nigeria’s flagship universities on the global stage, the 2026 rankings underline the need for greater investment in research, innovation and international partnerships if Nigerian institutions are to compete more effectively with their peers worldwide.
