The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to education, describing the sector as a central pillar of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Oladoja when the NANS Leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff, in the State House Abuja. Friday February 27, 2026

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Friday when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila urged student leaders nationwide to reciprocate government investments in education by intensifying advocacy against social vices on campuses, particularly drug abuse, cultism and prostitution. He stressed that universities and colleges are not only centres of academic learning but also institutions for character development.

According to him, President Tinubu considers the fight against social vices a national priority, noting that a special committee has been set up to address rising concerns in secondary and tertiary institutions.

“Education is one of the pillars of this administration. We believe in the youths — in your energy and capacity — and we do not pay lip service to issues that affect you,” Gbajabiamila said. “I want to charge you to make moral reorientation part of your engagement with fellow students.”

The Chief of Staff commended the NANS leadership for its proactive and constructive engagement with government and encouraged the association to promote moral values as an unwritten code of campus culture.

He also disclosed that sustained dialogue between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has resulted in a lasting agreement, helping to maintain stability in the university system. He noted that Nigeria is approaching three years without a nationwide university strike.

Gbajabiamila recalled his experience as Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he participated in negotiations with ASUU during periods of frequent industrial actions that prolonged students’ academic programmes.

Highlighting government interventions, he pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying the student loan scheme is enabling indigent students to remain in school.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to sustained dialogue with students and to restoring predictable academic calendars.

Speaking on behalf of the students, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students. He said improved engagement with ASUU and the implementation of the student loan scheme have helped stabilise tertiary education, with many four-year programmes now running their full course without disruption.

Oladoja disclosed that over 900,000 students have benefited from the loan scheme. He also cited recent security interventions, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions following reports of hostel incursions.

While pledging continued support for government policies, the NANS president said the association would sustain its conflict-resolution framework. He also requested an audience with the President, sought palliatives for students during the fasting seasons, and appealed for increased job opportunities for young graduates.

Oladoja further informed the Presidency of plans to hold a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the President’s policies, pledging that NANS would continue to promote peace and constructive dialogue across campuses.

Tension gripped commuters along the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State on Friday following reports that suspected armed bandits had planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the busy federal road.

Eyewitnesses claimed the suspected device was discovered in the early hours of Friday at Ungwar Mai Chida village, the same general area where an IED explosion earlier in the week reportedly damaged a trailer.

The reports triggered panic among motorists, many of whom were said to have halted their journeys and sought safer routes amid fears of a possible attack. Some commuters were left stranded for hours as uncertainty spread along the highway.

Residents in the area said security operatives later mobilized to the scene, secured the location, and cleared the road to allow traffic to resume.

However, the Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, told Arise News via telephone that no such incident occurred on the highway. According to him, the police merely carried out proactive security measures to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information, assuring road users of continued security surveillance along the route.

An Anambra State High Court has sentenced popular native doctor, Chukwudozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko, to 11 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges linked to ritual practices and obtaining money under false pretences.

Delivering judgment on Friday, the court convicted Nwangwu on three counts bordering on money ritual claims and fraudulent acquisition of wealth. The judge ordered that the prison terms run concurrently.

₦800,000 Ritual Promise

Nwangwu was arrested in 2025 after he allegedly collected ₦800,000 from a victim, promising to make him a millionaire within months through ritual means.

According to the prosecution, the convict claimed he would use the money to perform rituals that would guarantee sudden wealth. However, investigations revealed the claims to be fraudulent.

The court ordered Nwangwu to refund the ₦800,000 to the victim or face an additional three-year jail term.

Alleged Support for Criminal Elements

Beyond the fraud charge, Nwangwu was also accused of preparing charms and talismans allegedly used by kidnappers and armed robbers, thereby aiding criminal activities.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the trial judge ordered the demolition of his “Oba Shrine” and directed him to cease all forms of Okeite practice.

The court further ruled that upon completion of his sentence at the Awka Correctional Centre, Nwangwu must publicly denounce Okeite and related charm practices.

He was also mandated to serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation, aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in ritual-related and fraudulent activities.