News
WAEC and NECO Exams Not for under 18 — Minister
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has clarified that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) are not for under eighteen-year-old candidates in secondary schools to sit for.
Prof Mamman disclosed this when he appeared on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ programme on Sunday night.
He stressed that both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) must now enforce an 18-year age limit for candidates taking the WASSCE and SSCE exams, respectively.
The minister also clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations.
His words: “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18
he minister also clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations.
His words: “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy; this is a policy that has been there for a long time.
“Even basically if you compute the number of years pupils, and learners are supposed to be in school, the number you will end up with is 17 and a half – from early child care to primary school to junior secondary school and then senior secondary school. You will end up with 17 and a half by the time they are ready for admission.
“So, we are not coming up with new policy contrary to what some people are saying; we are just simply reminding people of what is existing. In any case, NECO and WAEC, henceforth, will not be allowing underage children to write their examinations.
In other words, if somebody has not spent the requisite number of years in that particular level of study, WAEC and NECO will not allow them to write the examination.”
The minister also stated that the age limit for candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), remains set at 18 years.
News
NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) advises Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets circulating across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency explained that the counterfeit product imitates the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging, which Promasidor Nigeria Ltd stopped producing in September 2023.
The legitimate product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”
The fake sachets unlawfully bear the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number and packaging design, despite not being manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.
The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued ‘Our Milk’ packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor,” the agency stated.
“They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.”
The regulator raised concerns over the health risks posed by the counterfeit product.
“Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients.
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” NAFDAC warned.
News
Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.
The Japanese government has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in Japan
Japan also unveiled similar hometown designations for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique in Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari, respectively.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy, promoting economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.
Under the new arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerian youth. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also be eligible to live and work in Kisarazu under the special visa dispensation.
“Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.
The designation of Kisarazu builds on historical ties between Nigeria and the city.
The Nigerian Olympic contingent trained in Kisarazu during preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes acclimatised before moving to the Olympic Village.
Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, who received the certificate from the Japanese government alongside Mrs. Adeseke, expressed optimism that the initiative would boost the city’s population and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts.
The three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—shared a total of N2.001 trillion from the Federation Account as revenue for the month of July 2025, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The allocation was made during the FAAC meeting held in August 2025 in Abuja, with details released in an official communiqué.
The distributable revenue included:
- N1.282 trillion in statutory revenue
- N640.610 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT)
- N37.601 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL)
- N39.745 billion from exchange rate difference
Out of the total distributed funds:
- The Federal Government received N735.081 billion
- State Governments received N660.349 billion
- Local Government Councils received N485.039 billion
- N120.359 billion was shared to oil-producing states as 13% derivation revenue
Revenue Breakdown:
Statutory Revenue (N1.282 trillion):
- FG: N613.805 billion
- States: N311.330 billion
- LGs: N240.023 billion
- 13% Derivation: N117.714 billion
VAT (N640.610 billion):
- FG: N96.092 billion
- States: N320.305 billion
- LGs: N224.214 billion
EMTL (N37.601 billion):
- FG: N5.640 billion
- States: N18.801 billion
- LGs: N13.160 billion
Exchange Gains (N39.745 billion):
- FG: N19.544 billion
- States: N9.913 billion
- LGs: N7.643 billion
- 13% Derivation: N2.643 billion
The total gross revenue for July was N3.836 trillion, down from N3.485 trillion in June. Cost of collection deductions amounted to N152.681 billion, while N1.683 trillion was allocated for transfers, refunds, savings, and interventions.
FAAC noted improved collections from Petroleum Profit Tax, Oil and Gas Royalties, EMTL, and Excise Duties, while Companies Income Tax and CET Levies declined slightly. VAT and Import Duties saw marginal growth.
The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in the allocation of national revenues across all levels of government.
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Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
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