Author: Vardiafrica

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted an application filed by former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to present evidence of her acquittal by the Southwark Crown Court, London, in the UK. Justice Ekwo granted the motion on notice moved by Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, which was not challenged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s counsel, Mofesomo Oyetibo. The UK court had, on June 17, discharged and acquitted the embattled former minister in respect of criminal allegations of bribery brought against her. Diezani had, in a suit filed before Justice Ekwo, sought to reclaim her…

A former Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has reportedly been arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State while preparing to board a chartered flight to Abuja.  It was gathered that the former minister was taken into custody on Wednesday at the airport. According to Premium Times, sources disclosed that Nnaji is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for interrogation. Although the reason for the arrest was not officially disclosed, the development comes months after allegations surrounding his academic credentials resurfaced following a response by…

The federal government, yesterday, said it was in talks with petrol marketers and industry regulators to address concerns over fuel pricing and promote a more transparent pricing regime. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, made the comments while briefing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chambers of State House, Abuja. There had been mounting concerns over the refusal of petrol marketers to reduce fuel prices, despite the return of global crude oil prices to pre-US-Iran war levels, following the peace deal between the two nations.…

Asylum seekers in Britain ⁠could ⁠have to repay the ⁠state around £10,000 ($13,222) for accommodation and basic living support before ​becoming eligible to apply for settlement, the government said on Monday in ‌its latest effort to deter ‌illegal migration. Immigration is one of the most contested issues in British ⁠politics, consistently ⁠ranking among voters’ top concerns in opinion polls and at ​times fuelling protests and community tension. The centre-left Labour Party has ratcheted up efforts to stop migrants arriving both legally and illegally, seeking to counter the ​rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has promised to deport ⁠up…

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform package for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing a civilian leadership structure, a redesigned uniform and a six week orientation programme as part of efforts to reposition the scheme for greater efficiency and national development. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting. He said the council retained the one year duration of national service while approving skills focused training and several other measures aimed at modernising the scheme. According to the minister, the reforms include digitalisation,…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has set July 2026 for official roll-out of the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC) and challenged members of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) to make appropriate input as the Board strives to create and sustain a highly skilled and globally competitive workforce as well as sound professional standards in the ever-evolving oil and gas industry. The NCTRC, designed for 11 industry-relevant areas of specialisation, encompassing both technical and soft-skill competencies, is the latest initiative of the NCDMB to institute a definitive framework for trainer certification that reserves…

The Federal Government is set to officially launch a new digital education data platform on July 1 as part of ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s education sector and improve data-driven decision-making. The initiative, known as the National Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), is expected to serve as a central repository for education data across the country, providing policymakers with accurate and real-time information for planning and service delivery. According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the platform is designed to address long-standing challenges associated with fragmented and unreliable education data, which have often hindered effective planning, resource allocation, and policy implementation in…

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in new Commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPC) and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The ceremony took place before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting, this Monday. Former chairman, National Hajj Commission, Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed from Kaduna state and Amina Gamawa representing Bauchi took oath of office as federal commissioners for the revenue commission. Six new Commissioners were inaugurated for the population commissioner. They are Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi – Ekiti State, Nasiru Mu’azu – Zamfara State, Isaka Alada Yahaya – Kwara State, Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda – Katsina State,…

Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has made history by becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, drawing national recognition and praise from the Federal Government for an achievement many have described as a powerful example of youth excellence. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, congratulated the teenager in a statement on Monday, describing her accomplishment as proof that Nigerian youths can attain extraordinary success through dedication, discipline and resilience. Olawande said Okundaye’s achievement demonstrates the immense potential of young Nigerians when given the right support and opportunities to thrive. “I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest…

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, says it frowns on reports of tertiary institutions withholding tuition refunds due to students under the Federal Government’s student loan scheme. NELFUND adds that it is engaging the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure compliance.In a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND also condemns reports of arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges, describing such practices as contrary to the objectives of the student loan programme. The Fund adds that some institutions had delayed or outrightly refused to refund students who paid their tuition fees before NELFUND subsequently…