The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has announced that candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be admitted to tertiary institutions. This directive, given during a monitoring exercise of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, aims to align with the 6-3-3-4 education system. Mamman expressed concern over parents pressuring underage students into university admission, emphasizing the need for children to mature before entering higher education. He highlighted the challenges faced by young students adjusting to university life and urged parents to refrain from undue pressure. The minister stressed the importance of allowing…

Over 11.5 million electricity households and customers in Nigeria, who account for about 85 per cent of grid connected electricity, have been thrown into darkness as the electricity supply industry moves to implement at least 20-hour power supply to some customers. With electricity generation wobbling around 3,000 megawatts, there are indications that the Generation Companies (GenCos) may insist on a bilateral bulk trading agreement with the Distribution Companies (DisCos) to prioritise band A customers outside of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET). Already, most band A customers, who are expected to get at least 20 hours of power supply…

Fleeing residents from Bini community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara sought refuge at the Government House in Gusau, urging the government to protect them from bandits. The villagers, predominantly women and children, fled their homes after the withdrawal of military security personnel from the area. Umar Salisu, one of the fleeing villagers, recounted how the absence of security forces prompted their exodus, citing ongoing threats from bandits. Aisha Usman and Wakkala Gurgu echoed the urgent need for government intervention to address the escalating security concerns in their community. Commissioner for Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, reassured the villagers…

Dangote Industries Limited's management has refuted claims questioning the quality of its diesel, labeling such allegations as false and mischievous. The company asserts that its refinery is engineered to produce top-tier petroleum products that adhere to rigorous international standards. Anthony Chiejina, the company's spokesperson, emphasized that recent reports suggesting substandard diesel production led to the price reductions are unfounded. Chiejina clarified that the refinery's diesel output contains significantly lower levels of Sulphur compared to previous imports, debunking claims of inferior quality. He further dismissed assertions that the reduced price is indicative of lower quality, citing market dynamics and the company's…