When the National Universities Commission (NUC) formally approved the MBBS programme at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, it was more than just another accreditation. It was the revival of a long-abandoned dream, the restoration of hope for thousands of aspiring doctors, and a statement of intent from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. For years, the university’s Faculty of Medicine had remained in limbo, stalled by accreditation hurdles. The people of Kogi watched with frustration as a critical pillar of development slipped further into dormancy until August 11, 2025, when the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) made a heartfelt plea for…
Author: National Update
The Nigerian Army has dealt a major blow to terrorists in the Northeast, intercepting 242 bags of fertiliser believed to be headed for bomb-making in Borno State. Troops of 151 Task Force Battalion struck first on Wednesday at Banki Junction, Bama LGA, stopping a truck loaded with 142 bags of NPK fertiliser. The consignment, approved for delivery to Mbalala in Chibok, was instead diverted through Bama en route Askira-Uba — a suspicious route linked to insurgents. Hours later, operatives of 21 Military Intelligence Regiment, backed by 21 Provost Company, seized another truck in Banki. Hidden inside: 100 more bags of…
Nigeria has inched closer to reclaiming more of its looted heritage as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy opened discussions with the Swiss government on the repatriation of cultural treasures and broader creative industry partnerships. At a courtesy visit in Abuja on Friday, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Patrick Felix Egloff, announced his country’s willingness to work with Nigeria on restitution and new cultural diplomacy projects. “This is the first time a Swiss Ambassador is engaging directly with Nigeria’s Minister of Art and Culture. We are eager to strengthen institutional cooperation, and we believe restitution offers…
Former Zamfara Central Senator Kabiru Marafa has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of betraying its members and fueling disunity in Zamfara State. In a video message to his supporters, Marafa declared that he could no longer remain in a party “that has cheated and abandoned its loyal members both in Zamfara and across Nigeria.” The ex-lawmaker, who was once a strong APC powerbroker in the Northwest, said his decision came after “two days of intensive consultations” with stakeholders. “APC as a party has betrayed and cheated us in Zamfara and Nigeria. In the…
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The Tax Justice and Governance Platform, in partnership with Prime Initiative for Community Development and Fiscal Transparency, has trained Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Jigawa State on how to monitor budget performance and identify challenges in the process. The two-day workshop, sponsored by the Civil Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) and Christian Aid Nigeria (CAID), also focused on advocacy strategies to improve budget preparation and execution. Executive Director of Prime Initiative, Comrade Muhammad Abdu Dutse, said the training reviewed the 2025 second-quarter budget performance in health, education, and commerce as case studies. “These are critical sectors,” he…
A coalition of diaspora groups led by the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has petitioned U.S. President Donald Trump to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions on top Nigerian judges and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami for their alleged role in the prolonged detention of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The petition, released Friday in Abuja, accuses the Nigerian judiciary of aiding “gross violations of human rights” through rulings that upheld Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021 and his continued detention. Among those listed are Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, former…
A group known as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance says the party’s Reconciliation committee, led by Bukola Saraki, former president of the Senate, alongside the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State Bala Muhammed, did a good job reconciling aggrieved members of the party. In a statement on Thursday, Bashir Sulaiman, convener of the group, said everyone expected the crisis in the party to implode, but that has not been the case. Sulaiman said the party is now ready to plan its forthcoming convention peacefully. “I am very impressed by what Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Reconciliation and Strategy…
A Kano Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the police to launch a full-scale investigation into allegations of criminal defamation against Daily Nigerian publisher, Jafar Jafar, over reports describing a senior government official as a “thieving aide” to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The order, issued by Chief Magistrate Abdul’aziz M. Habib of Court No. 15, Nomansland, followed a complaint filed by the Director General, Directorate of Protocol, Kano Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo. Rogo accused Jafar and one Audu Umar of publishing malicious reports on August 22 and 25, 2025, which he said were designed to tarnish his reputation and…
By Lamara Garba Azare Thirty-four years in the life of a state is like a river carving its way through rocks; steady, patient, sometimes turbulent, yet always forward. Jigawa, born on that fateful Tuesday, 27th August 1991, out of Kano’s map and skepticism, was once dismissed as barren land with little hope of survival. Some mocked it as a mere “civil service state,” others doubted whether it could pay salaries, let alone build an economy. Yet, as the calendar marks 34 years, the story has changed. Jigawa has risen with quiet resilience to become one of the most peaceful and…
Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami has emerged as the new Emir of Zuru, following approval by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris. The appointment comes after the death of the former Emir, Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo II, who passed away on August 16, 2025, in London. Announcing the decision in Zuru on Thursday, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Dutsin-Mari, presented Mika’ilu with his letter of office. He explained that the selection followed a vote by the Zuru Emirate kingmakers, where Mika’ilu secured the highest support among three contenders. “The appointment of Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami is a product of due process…