Author: Vardiafrica

The federal government has approved a policy prohibiting recipients of honorary degrees from using the “Dr” title. The decision, approved by the federal executive council (FEC), introduces a new regulatory framework to guide the award and use of honorary degrees by tertiary institutions, with sanctions for defaulters. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, said the policy became necessary following concerns over the increasing misuse and politicisation of honorary doctorates. Alausa said the reform is aimed at safeguarding academic integrity, restoring public confidence in university awards, and addressing the growing abuse and commercialisation of honorary degrees.…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylvia, to the Federal Government. Justice Obiora Egwuatu made the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though Justice Egwuatu delivered the ruling on April 24, the enrolled order was sighted on Wednesday. The judge said: “It is hereby ordered as follows: “An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties listed in…

Speaking during a Stakeholders and Service Providers Sensitisation and Training Workshop in Warri, Delta State, the Director, Procurement Department, NDDC, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the initiative was meant to educate key stakeholders, including government officials, procurement officers, consultants and contractors, private-sector vendors, and civil society organisations, on recent reforms and the transition to a fully digitised procurement framework.   Osuji, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Procurement, Mr Tumi Grant, stated that the NDDC was determined to adopt global best practices and improve service delivery. He underscored the importance of equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to engage…

Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years as Bukayo Saka sealed a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta’s side settled the semifinal second leg with Saka’s strike late in the first half at an ecstatic Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who drew 1-1 in the first leg in Madrid last week, held firm after Saka’s goal to go through 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final in Budapest on May 30. Holders PSG, who beat Arsenal in the semifinals last year, have a 5-4 lead…

In a major shift to its internal rules, the Senate has amended its standing orders to restrict eligibility for the office of Senate President to members of the 10th National Assembly. The decision followed a marathon closed-door session on Tuesday, after which lawmakers agreed on new criteria aimed at reinforcing parliamentary hierarchy and experience. Under the revised rules, only senators who have served two terms will be eligible to contest for principal offices. The amendment further stipulates that at least one of the two terms must be the immediate term preceding the nomination, effectively narrowing the field of contenders. The…

JERUSALEM, Israel – The month-long U.S-Iranian ceasefire is on shaky ground after Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz and fired missiles at the United Arab Emirates. Tehran claimed it struck a U.S. Navy vessel near the Strait on Monday, a claim the U.S. has denied. U.S. officials charged that Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats on Monday at ships being protected by the United States. As a result, U.S. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper announced a retaliation by the military. “The (Iranian) cruise missiles were going after both U.S. Navy ships, but mostly after commercial shipping. We defended both ourselves,…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with global investors in Paris, France, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline, and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of bold reforms. At the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted Nigeria’s strong GDP growth in dollar terms in 2025. He said Nigeria recorded 11.2% GDP growth in dollar terms last year, a record that reinforced the country’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy in 2030. Oyedele emphasised the government’s near-term priorities of translating reforms into results for the Nigerian people. He also pledged to…

President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking confirmation of the nomination of Joseph Tegbe as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The request, read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday, was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Senate. President Tinubu, citing Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to nominate ministers subject to Senate confirmation, urged lawmakers to give the request prompt consideration. In the same vein, President Tinubu sought confirmation of two other nominees: Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State, as…

The federal government has stressed that it does not plan to bring back the payment of subsidies on premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol This disclosure was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, during a meeting with some global investors in France. Some of the investors were from Citibank and France’s Amundi, led by Valerie Baudson. There were also BlueCrest, the Britain- and South Africa-based Ninety One, Kirkoswald Capital, Principal Finisterre, US groups Prudential Global Investment Management (PGIM) and Mesarete Capital. There had been calls for the return of…

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has ordered an audit of arms and ammunition in police formations across the country. The IGP issued the order at a meeting with senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday. According to him, the audit would helpstrengthen accountability and prevent misuse of operational assets. He said, “I hereby direct all Commissioners of Police to immediately undertake a comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition within their respective Commands. This exercise must be thorough, transparent, and properly documented, with detailed reports forwarded to the Force Headquarters within the stipulated timeframe. “The objective is clear: to strengthen…