News
Senator Natasha denies apologizing to senate
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has dismissed reports claiming she apologized to the Senate over the controversy that led to her six-month suspension.
In a statement on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the reports as “false and misleading,” affirming that she stands by her words and actions.
She accused those spreading the misinformation of distorting facts and misleading the public.
The senator, who was suspended after a heated exchange with Senate leadership, maintained that she remains committed to defending her constituents’ rights and will not be intimidated into submission.
She also alleged that some individuals were orchestrating a campaign to silence her, warning Nigerians to be vigilant against misinformation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that any official statements from her would come only from her verified channels.
“This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives,” she stated.
News
FG approves 6-month maternity leave for female lecturers without pay
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the presentation of the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
Photo: Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa (right), and Minister of State for Education
The Federal Government has announced that qualified female academic staff shall be entitled to a maternity Leave of six months as provided in the subsisting Public Service Rules,” Section 3.4(vii) reads.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the presentation of the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
He clarified that the Section 3.4 of the agreement, which focuses on ‘Non-salary conditions of service’, makes provision for six-month maternity leave as a fringe benefit.
Alausa described the agreement as a historic turning point that symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence and a firm commitment to uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigerian universities.
Alausa emphasised that the agreement reflects the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise education as the foundation of national development, noting that it marked the first time a sitting president took full ownership of the long-standing challenges confronting the university system.
News
Insurgency: Trump allocates N587bn to US Africa Command for military operations in Nigeria, others
The allocation is contained in the US National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds were approved under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance.
The United States plans to spend N587 billion ($413.046 million) on counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026 amid worsening security conditions across West Africa.
The allocation is contained in the US National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds were approved under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance.
The security budget for the US Africa Command comes against the backdrop of the Christmas Day attacks on terrorists’ hideouts in Sokoto State by the Donald Trump administration.
On Tuesday, AFRICOM delivered a consignment of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security operations across the country.
News
Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, in pictures
Remembering the fallen heroes and the living soldiers



Location: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, 15 January, 2026
-
Politics3 days agoBreaking News: FHC Sacks Wole Oluyede, Ekiti PDP flag bearer
-
News3 days agoInsurgency: US Military supplies Nigeria with weapons to combat terrorism
-
News2 days agoUPDATE: Edo State Government Moves to Release 52 Ambrose Alli University Students Arrested Amid Ekpoma Protest
-
News3 days agoNELFUND releases N161.97bn student loans to more than 864,000 students
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON 2025: Osimhen to captain Super Eagles against Morocco
-
News3 days agoSokoto community empty as Bello Turji plans attack
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON 2025: Ghanaian Daniel Laryea is Nigeria–Morocco semi-final Referee
-
News2 days agoWorld Bank projects Nigeria’s urban population to reach 264m by 2050
