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JUST IN: House of Reps demands urgent crackdown on fake drug syndicates

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The House of Representatives has called for a more aggressive crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria, following the recent discovery of an illegal drug manufacturing facility in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.

The resolution was moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who raised alarms over the growing issue of fake pharmaceuticals during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ezechi revealed that the illegal factory, located in a remote village, was involved in rebranding expired drugs by altering their expiry dates and producing counterfeit medications, including injectables, which were being distributed to unsuspecting Nigerians.

“The consumption of fake and substandard drugs poses severe health risks, including treatment failures, drug resistance, and even death,” Ezechi stated.

He warned that such criminal activities undermine Nigeria’s healthcare system and put millions at risk.

The House expressed deep concern that the Osisioma Ngwa incident was not an isolated case but part of a broader public health crisis, as similar counterfeit drug operations have been uncovered across the country.

The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.

The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation. 

It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.

The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.

The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation. 

It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Health and Drugs and Narcotics to investigate the widespread issue of counterfeit drugs in the country.

It also called for increased public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fake drugs and the introduction of advanced tracking and authentication systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with security agencies, to implement stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the illegal drug trade, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

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BUK expels 171 students for admission frauds

The affected students cut across different departments and levels, describing the action as part of efforts to sanitise its academic records

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The Senate of Bayero University Kano has approved the expulsion of 171 students over falsification of admission entry qualifications.

In a statement published in the university’s weekly bulletin on Friday, said that the decision was taken during the Senate’s 433rd meeting held on March 4, 2026.

It said that following an investigation by the Senate’s Committee on Entry Qualification Irregularities, the affected students were found to have presented falsified credentials during their admission processes.

The university noted that the offence constitutes a violation of Section 20.7, Category A (vii) of its General Examinations and Academic Regulations, which prescribes expulsion for such misconduct.

It added that the affected students cut across different departments and levels, describing the action as part of efforts to sanitise its academic records.

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Tinubu renews determination to conquer insecurity nationwide

Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Sunday that his administration is intensifying diplomatic engagements with world leaders to secure critical equipment and training support for Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies as part of a renewed push to end insecurity across the country.

He disclosed this while receiving state governors who paid him a courtesy visit his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr holidays after returning from his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

President Tinubu said that the discussions with international partners, including recent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, were already yielding prospects for collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.

“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment and support. I can report to you that yesterday again, I had a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron on their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” the President said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to reach out to other countries willing to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity through provision of modern tools and capacity building for security personnel.

“If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” Tinubu stated.

Describing insecurity as a direct threat to national development, the President stressed that tackling the menace remained a top priority for his administration, calling for collective action by all levels of government.

“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.

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Why I returned to school – Emir Sanusi

“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless.”

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The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has explained that his decision for returning to school to pursue an LL.B in Common Law and Shariah at Northwest University is aimed at inspiring others, rather than practicing law.

Emir Sanusi spoke during the traditional Sallah homage, Hawan Nassarawa, at the Kano Government House, emphasising that education should precede kingship.

“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless,” he said.

The monarch praised the Kano State Government for prioritizing education, noting that 30 percent of the state budget has been allocated to the sector.

He also encouraged citizens to pursue further studies and support educational ambitions within their families, including those of their spouses.

” We appreciate the Governor for giving top priority to education. We have seen the impact through students’ performance in NECO, JAMB, and tertiary institutions. Whoever has not completed tertiary education should go back and do so,” he said.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by Speaker Rt. Hon. Jibrin Falgore, commended Emir Sanusi for his support, describing him as a pillar of strength for the administration.

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