Author: Vardiafrica

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to resume its suspended nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government and some state governments of failing to honour the 2025 agreement reached with the union. The union, in a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, on Friday, said it could activate the suspended industrial action without any further notice if its demands were not urgently addressed. Piwuna said the decision followed an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on September 5, 2026, stressing that ASUU would not accept responsibility for the consequences of another…

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and staff to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African parliamentary institutions. The decision follows growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The directive contained in a statement by the House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, was issued by the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives and communicated to lawmakers, committees, departments and staff by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. The National Assembly expressed concern over reports of Nigerians being killed,…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has empowered Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, in Akwa Ibom State, committing to greater inclusion in its development programmes. Speaking during the empowerment programme, held in Uyo to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the NDDC Director, Akwa Ibom State office, Engr. Evong Evong, said the Commission was committed to promoting inclusion, empowerment, equality, and improved livelihoods for persons with disabilities and other underserved members of society through advocacy, capacity building, partnerships, and community-based initiatives. Evong stated: “Disability should never be a hindrance to achieving one’s dreams or goals. Our aim is…

Federal Government has announced plans to waive data charges for millions of students accessing approved educational platforms as part of efforts to expand digital learning across Nigeria. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria. Alausa said the intervention, introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is aimed at ensuring that the cost of internet connectivity does not prevent Nigerian students from accessing quality educational content. According to the minister, the initiative will benefit learners in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions…

The Federal Government has taken a major step towards the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, following the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter. The Honourable Minister of State disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day, held under the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” Represented by the Permanent Secretary , Daju Kachollom S. mni, the Minister said the matter would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, expressing optimism that…

The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as Washington and Abuja continue to strengthen security cooperation against terrorism and other threats in the region. The equipment was transported by a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and delivered at locations in Lagos and Kainji. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which highlighted the delivery on Thursday in a statement, said the equipment was provided under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement between the United States and Nigeria. “PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: A U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend. The…

US President Donald Trump has promised to pay every adult American $5,000 if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections. Trump made the pledge on Wednesday during the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, presenting the proposed payment as a “Trump Dividend” and tying it directly to a Republican victory at the polls. “If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump told the gathering. “It will be called the Trump Dividend.” The proposal, however, immediately raised questions over its funding, legality and potential impact on the US…

A minor fire incident occurred at the Idu Train Station in Abuja on Wednesday evening following an electrical fault, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has said on Thursday. The fire, which broke out in the station’s low-voltage electrical room, was discovered at about 8:30 pm and was quickly contained by maintenance personnel, according to the NRC. The Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said in a statement that a preliminary assessment indicated that some electrical supply cables connected to the station’s control panels were damaged in the incident. However, the NRC said the station’s alternative solar power system was not…

The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, has assured that the Commission will continue to play a strategic role in the development of legal education in universities across the Niger Delta region. Ebie spoke during the 2026 Moot and Mock Trial Competition for law Faculties in universities in the region, held at the Dr Nabo Graham Douglas Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Rivers State. He said that the Commission would continue to play its statutory role in developing and supporting efforts to advance education, especially in legal education through practical…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND as a landmark initiative that has provided crucial financial relief to students from less-privileged backgrounds and removed financial barriers to higher education. The Fund, established by the current administration of Bola Tinubu, has been positioned as a vital social equaliser and a primary mechanism for poverty alleviation and the advancement of education in Nigeria. Shettima stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the management team of the University of Abuja, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi. The Vice President said; “that by ensuring tuition fees…