President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant education regulatory bodies to intensify efforts in clamping down on illegal tertiary institutions operating across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 14th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday, the President ordered the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, and other agencies to take decisive action against what he described as “certificate millers” undermining the credibility of the education sector.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, warned that the integrity of the academic system must not be compromised.

“At this juncture, it has become imperative to reiterate that this administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality,” the President said.

He added, “The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) are working in alignment to improve the quality of education and ensure that cases of forgery and unrecognised institutions both within and outside the country have no place in our education ecosystem.

“I therefore charge the heads of these agencies to remain steadfast in upholding government’s resolution to safeguard our education sector from quack and fake institutions as the integrity of our academic system must not be compromised and that the activities of certificate millers are checked and put to a stop permanently.”

At the convocation, 51 inmates from correctional centres across the country graduated from NOUN, including 41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduates.

The event also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.

Tinubu further tasked NOUN to lead the country’s transition into a digitally skilled economy, urging the university to embrace full online learning in line with its Open and Distance Learning model.

[Punch]

Former Nigeria international and member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, Adokiye Amiesimaka has said that his former teammate and captain at the national team, late Chairman Christian Chukwu lived his full life.

Reacting to the news of Chukwu’s passing, Amiesimaka said, “Chukwu lived his life, my condolences. I will reach out to the family. But what I detest is the hypocrisy of the Nigeria Football Federation. I read somewhere that they were expressing sorrow. That’s utter rubbish, they are not sincere. Do you know they were owing him? Except he was paid recently, they owed him for years; his due reward for services rendered, and they have the audacity to express grief over his death.

What a shame.” Continuing the former winger said, “for me I am happy I had the opportunity of knowing him and playing alongside him at the national team and we had an excellent relationship. Even after football we enjoyed a wonderful relationship.

I even represented him in some legal matters here in Port Harcourt.” The former international said it is always sad when one loses a friend but I want to dwell on the fact that we had sweet memories then as members of the Green Eagles. We had a wonderful experience and I am happy we won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980 for the first time 45 years ago March 22, this year. I thank God for that privilege. On his part, Sylvanus Okpala, another member of the 1980 Green Eagles squad said, Chukwu’s passage was a sad story.

“It’s so unfortunate that Chukwu has passed on. When Onochie Anibeze buried his mother February, we were all there together, singing and dancing.” He said he would remember Chukwu as a gentleman. “I never saw him quarrel with anybody since the first day I knew him.”

Continuing, Okpala said Chukwu was one of the finest footballers he has ever met. ” As a defender he was very calculative. An attacker could hardly beat him. And he was a free kick specialist too.” He recalled that the late Chukwu made Enugu Rangers what it is today. “He joined Rangers in 1973 and grew through the ranks to become the face of Rangers and a national icon. We have lost him.”

Devastated Okala mourns Chukwu

Emmanuel Okala, former Nigeria international goalkeeper, says he is “devastated” by the death of Christian Chukwu in the early hours of yesterday. ‘Chairman’ Chukwu captained the then Green Eagles to Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in Lagos in 1980, following a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the final of the 22nd edition of the continental showpiece.

He also captained Rangers International to victory in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, and later helped Nigeria win the 1985 FIFA U-17 World Cup in China as Assistant Coach to the late Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen. Chukwu, MFR, was Technical Director of Enugu Rangers International FC until his passing. The club is currently vying for a possible eighth NPFL title. Following news of Chukwu’s demise, Completesports.com reached out to his close friend and former Rangers teammate, Emma Okala, who is almost the same age as the late defender.

The Okosi, Onitsha-born lanky shot-stopper expressed heartbreak over Chukwu’s death, noting their decades-long friendship and professional camaraderie. “I’m devastated. This is sad news for me”, Okala said. “You know how close I was to him. From our days at Rangers, we’ve been Chukwu: Amiesimaka attacks NFF over unpaid allowances together—so closely knit. “We spoke just two days ago. I’m not in a position to confirm his death formally, as only the Chairman of the Ex-Rangers Forum, Pastor Igwe Okolo, is in a position to do that,” Okala added, his voice filled with emotion.

Okala is just a few months younger than Christian Chukwu. When contacted, Pastor Igwe Okolo confirmed the passing of the 74-yearold Obe, Nkanu-born centre-back but declined to offer further details. “Yes, my brother, Chukwu has passed on. May his soul rest in the perfect peace of God,” Igwe Okolo said before ending the call.

[Vanguard]

Charles Bassey, a former Green Eagles player, has died after a prolonged battle with ill health. 

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Bassey’s death in a statement on Sunday.

Bassey died in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday — few hours after the death of Christian Chukwu, former Eagles captain and coach. Both ex-footballers were members of the Eagles side that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup Nations (AFCON) in 1980.

In 2019, Bassey revealed he had suffered a “nerve root compression” in his spinal cord following a car accident in 1986.

The ex-footballer added that the damage was worsening, and he was experiencing difficulty walking. He made a public plea for financial support.

In 2021, Bassey said the Femi Otedola Foundation funded his spinal cord surgery.

Bassey was also a manager, and he managed many football clubs in the Nigerian league, such as Calabar Rovers, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingos, Mobil Pegasus of Eket, and Akwa United Football Club.

Bassey’s death brings the number of members in the 1980 AFCON team who have departed to nine.

They include: Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atugbu, Mudashiru Lawal and Martins Eyo.

[TheCable]

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has mourned the passing of Mr. Christian Chukwu, a distinguished football icon and a true patriot, who died on Saturday 12, April 2025.

In his condolence message, Governor Soludo stated that Mr. Christian Chukwu’s name is etched in the annals of Nigerian football history and his contributions to the development of the sport in our nation are immeasurable, leading the national team in winning the Nations Cup (AFCON) in 1980 

The Governor noted that as a player, he was a colossus, a formidable defender and a leader of men, captaining the legendary Enugu Rangers International Football Club and the national team, the Green Eagles now Super Eagles, with unrelenting dedication and exemplary skill. 

His leadership on the field earned him the nickname "Chairman," inspiring generations of footballers and igniting a passion for the beautiful game across the country.

The Governor also recalled that Mr. Chukwu’s tenure as coach of the Super Eagles further solidified his legacy, as he guided the team with his characteristic wisdom and tactical acumen. His commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of unity within the team left an indelible mark on the Nigerian football landscape 

Therefore, Governor Soludo consoles the family of Mr. Christian Chukwu, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all who mourn his passing, praying that his soul rest in perfect peace.

Signed,

Christian Aburime

Press Secretary to the Governor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a State Department representative from President Donald J. Trump's administration, Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa, on Thursday in Paris.  

The meeting focused on developing a strategic economic and security partnership between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States anchored on mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.

The US State Department rep conveyed President Trump's strong interest in deepening direct engagement with Nigeria as a cornerstone of US relations with Africa. The US wanted to work closely with President Tinubu to expand American investment in Nigeria and Africa, support energy and infrastructure development, and align trade and job creation efforts.

Both sides discussed actionable support and shared their perspectives on regional peace, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and across the Sahel.  

President Trump's advisor recognised Nigeria's regional and continental leadership and supported President Tinubu's interventions to stabilise key African regions.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria's readiness to build productive alliances with the United States, centred on transparency, opportunity, mutual respect and outcomes that strengthen Africa's place in the global economy.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information & Strategy)

Courtesy of an artist operating in a different genre – the cartoon – who sent me his recent graphic comment on the event, I learnt recently of a return to the culture of censorship with the banning of the product of a music artist, Eedris Abdulkareem. 

My position is that such a progressive move by the government and its agencies does not go far enough. It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned - the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is member, should also go under the hammer. Nor should we ignore the cartoonist, Ebun Aleshinloye, who not only etched out his trenchant response to the ban but disseminated it all the way to Abu Dhabi. Let’s simply go the whole hog!

I have yet to listen to the record but the principle is inflexibly etched on any democratic template. It cannot be flouted. That, surely is basic. This is why I feel that we should look on the bright side of any picture and thus recommend the Aleshinloye’ cartoon – and others in allied vein - as an easy to apprehend, easy to digest summation of the wisdom of attempting to stifle unpalatable works of art or socio-political commentary, The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank.  I envy him.

We have been through this before, over and over again, ad nauseum. We know where it all ends. It is boring, time-wasting, diversionary but most essential of all, subversive of all seizure of the fundamental right of free expression. It also creates a permissive atmosphere of trickle-down power where governors have been known to pursue social critics across state borders, kidnap and imprison them for long spells, using the judicial machinery of never-ending trials. Oh, bear in mind also theocratic “authorities” that continue to  arrogate to themselves the right to arrest and imprison artists and thinkers for their expression of opinion and vision of human existence. The fundamental right of free expression, as already touched upon, is not a closet affair, it is never hidden but echoes as loudly on international fora as in the most obscure hamlet. 

Any government that is tolerant only of yes-men and women, which accommodate only praise-singers and dancers to the official beat, has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss. Whatever regulating body is responsible for this petulant irrationality should be compelled to reverse its misstep. 

Wole SOYINKA

NYUAD, Abu Dhabi

Ps.  It is a sadly opportune moment, but also an enraged one, to join in conveying my commiseration to the families of the latest victims of the  lynch mob  mentality that is fast overtaking the nation. Edo today, which state next? Nineteen youths in one fell swoop? 

Let this latest dent in the national armour not pass as the yet soul searing orgy that ended the life of the young student, Deborah Samuel. Recall that identified killers were set free to gloat, and paste their photos on the Social Media as having lit the consuming pyre - this in full daylight glare, in the presence of both citizen voyeurs and security forces. The horror is not in numbers but in the act itself. As long as the culture of impunity is given the sheerest strain of legitimacy in any given cause, such gruesome assaults on our common humanity will continue to prevail, and a reversion to brutish existence become a nation’s stamp of identity.

The culprits are in plain sight and so are witnesses. There can be no excuses. My heart goes out to friends, colleagues and families of victims and traumatized survivors of this senseless slaughter. Our thirst for justice must remain unslaked.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ,JAMB, has released the results of the 2025 Mock UTME, conducted on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

To this end, the board said candidates can check their results by sending “MOCKRESULT” to either 55019 or 66019 using the phone number (SIM) registered for the examination.

In a release on Sunday, through its spokesman,Fabian Benjamin, JAMB explained that, “This optional mock examination was designed to test the Board’s annual innovations and provide candidates with an opportunity to experience the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.”

A total of 200,115 candidates initially expressed interest in participating; however, two candidates later withdrew, resulting in 200,113 registered candidates.

Of those registered, 73,844 candidates were absent on the day of the examination, and 88 candidates failed the biometric verification screening.

Consequently, 126,181 candidates successfully sat for the examination, and results for 115,735 of these candidates are now available for viewing. Additionally, 10,446 results are still being processed and will be released soon.

“The Board acknowledges the delays experienced by some candidates during the examination and regrets any inconvenience caused. These challenges are anticipated due to the new features implemented to enhance the overall conduct of the main UTME. JAMB appreciates the support of candidates and parents in facilitating a smoother process.

“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the Board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT environment. Over the years, this initiative has successfully achieved its objectives, addressing noted lapses and equipping candidates with valuable experience for the main examination, “the board said.

It called on all candidates to “continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests.”

The National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, on behalf of the Commission and the entire sporting fraternity, has bemoaned the death of the national team's most iconic captain Christian 'Chairman' Chukwu. Mallam Dikko spoke minutes after receiving the shocking news from Chukwu's team mate Dr. Segun Odegbami.

His words, "This news came to me as a big shock. Chairman is no more. On behalf of the Commission and the entire sporting fraternity and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend my condolences to his family and indeed the whole of Nigeria. Frankly, a big iroko tree has fallen. We are the Chairmen leading the sector but Christian Chukwu is the original Chairman on the pitch. He was so commanding and charismatic, decisive and assuring on the pitch that the Late Ernest Okonkwo called him chairman and till today that name Chairman is even more popular than his original name.

"Chairman Chukwu is synonymous with Nigerian football. He lifted our first major trophy in that 1980 AFCON. Growing up, that day stands out. Many of us draw our passion for Nigerian football from that tournament. Chairman was the main catalyst of that feat, motivating and leading the team from the foundation to success ."

He continued, "Whether as a player, coach or administrator, Chairman stamped his feet in the annals of Nigerian football and I had a very good working relationship with him for decades and we have been in constant touch. I just had a meeting with Dr. Segun Odegbami earlier this week. This is happening at a time when we need the experience and drive of the likes of Chairman to push through our vision at the Commission. This is a very gloomy day in Nigerian football.

"One thing that stands out is Chairman's passion for Nigerian football and his humility and peaceful nature all his life. Even in his latter days, he was a regular commentator on the state of Nigerian football. He is always one of the legends I look forward to reading his views on developments in the game. We will do everything within our means to immortalise him and make sure that his dream for Nigerian football is sustained."

NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade lent his voice to NSC Chairman's condolences.

He said, "This is really a sad day for Nigerian football. We all grew up loving this game because of people like Chairman Chukwu. I pray God gives his family and in fact every Nigerian football faithful the fortitude to bear this colossal loss."

Chukwu earned his place in Nigerian football folklore as captain of the victorious Africa Cup of Nations team in 1980. He was the national team captain between 1974 and 1980.

In a meritorious football career spanning about four decades, Chukwu was the Super Eagles Chief Coach from 2003-2005 leading them to bronze at 2004 AFCON. He was also the head coach of the Kenyan national team in 1998 and handled clubs like Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Heartland FC) and Rangers International.

Notably, Chukwu was the assistant coach to Sebastian Brodericks when the Baby Eagles became the first African team to win a FIFA-organized tournament at the U-16 World Cup in 1985.

As an administrator, he was the General Manager/CEO of Rangers International FC.

Signed
Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs)
Director (Information and PR)
NSC