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JUST IN: FG opposes N/Assembly’s proposals for 200 new varsities

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The federal government has expressed opposition to the proposals by the National Assembly for creation of nearly 200 new universities in the country.

It said with almost 200 bills in the National Assembly for establishment of new universities, there is a growing concern that the system is becoming overwhelmed.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this in Abuja yesterday during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing.

The country currently has 278 universities, 64 of which are federal; 67, state; and 147, private.

The government had, last month, announced a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities “to enhance the quality and sustainability of private universities, ensuring that only institutions with the necessary financial and academic capacity are granted licenses.”

The minister yesterday emphasised that strengthening the capacities of the existing universities is more important than establishing new ones.

He said: “They (lawmakers) are passing a lot of bills. Today, I can tell you that there are almost 200 bills in the National Assembly. We can’t continue like this.

Even though we have a lot of them, the capacity for a university to admit is not there. What we need to do now is to rebuild the capacities so that we can offer more viable courses to our citizens.

“We need to stop this (the 200 bills for new universities) from happening. There is so much pressure on the president. We have to, at least, be sensitive to it as well.

“I understand the sentiment of our legislators. They want to show that they are working. We know they are working. But then, we have enough assets, we have enough opportunities out there for students to go to universities.

“What we now need to do is to begin to mobilise more resources to develop infrastructures, build engineering workshops, build laboratories in these universities, recruit international standard teachers, so that we can begin to get these universities to develop, to deliver high quality of education that will be known for as a country.

“Today, if you care to know, we have 64 federal universities, 67 state universities and 147 private universities.

If you look at the entire enrolment together, the private universities account for just 7.5% of total undergraduate enrolment.

I will tell you the meaning of the number. The total number of undergraduate enrolments today is just about 875,000, which is, at least, fairly low.

“We have universities with less than 1,000 undergraduate students, and there is this intense demand for more universities to be opened. We have to stop that.”

however, it is not only the legislators that are obsessed with pushing for the establishing of universities as constituency project or for status symbol.

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JUST IN: Wike, Govs Makinde, Bala Clash at PDP Secretariat (Images / Video)

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….. As PDP Leaders Accuse Police of Not Showing Neutrality in Crisis

There was a showdown at the PDP National Secretariat on Tuesday as governors of Bauchi and Oyo states have clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with both parties attempting to take over the National secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the Wuse Zone 5 District of Abuja.

It was discovered that security operatives loyal to the FCT Minister and Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed embarked in a free for all or who would take possession of the PDP National Secretariat with a rainfall of teargas pumped around the vicinity by both parties.

While Governor Seyo stormed the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, Nyesom Wike stayed put with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the party who insists his tenure is still in place till December 8, 2025.

Party leaders are now expressing worry over the development accusing the Police of not being neutral in the leadership crisis facing the Peoples Democratic Party.

Watch video below:

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Lagos N200b bond oversubscribed by 55% at N310Billion

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In a resounding vote of confidence from the investment community, Lagos State has concluded its bookbuild for a groundbreaking bond issuance, exceeding all expectations and demonstrating strong investor appetite.

The State’s offering, comprised of a ₦200 Billion Conventional Bond and a ₦14.8 Billion Green Bond, has been met with extraordinary enthusiasm, paving the way for crucial infrastructure projects across the bustling metropolis.

The conventional bond, originally slated for ₦200 billion, received an astounding 55% oversubscription, attracting a remarkable ₦310 billion in investment commitments.

This signifies the robust trust investors have in Lagos State’s economic prospects and its commitment to sustainable growth.

Adding to the success, the ₦14.8 billion Green Bond, designed to finance environmentally friendly projects, was met with an even greater level of enthusiasm.

It attracted a phenomenal ₦29.29 billion in subscriptions, representing a staggering 97.7% oversubscription.

This underscores the growing global interest in sustainable investments and Lagos State’s commitment to a greener future.

This historic achievement highlights Lagos State’s financial strength and its ability to attract significant investment to drive its ambitious development agenda.

The proceeds from these bonds will be instrumental in funding vital infrastructure projects, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic prosperity across the state.

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JUST IN: FG Vows Swift Rescue of Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls, Reaffirms Duty to Protect Citizens

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The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, assuring families of its unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

In a statement on Monday, the government conveyed solidarity with the affected families, noting that it “shares in their pain” and is working urgently to bring the girls home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that the protection of every Nigerian—especially schoolchildren—remains a paramount responsibility of the State. He condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible assault on innocent students,” and mourned the school officials who were killed while performing their duties.

According to the statement, security and intelligence agencies have been issued strict directives to locate and rescue the abducted students and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government pledged that it will not relent until the mission is accomplished.

The Federal Government also assured citizens that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, noting that efforts are underway to recalibrate the country’s military, policing, and intelligence architecture to better prevent and respond to threats.

Additionally, Nigeria is intensifying regional cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

The government urged the public to remain calm and confident as efforts to rescue the abducted students continue.

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