The Benue State Government has sealed two private schools, Orenda and Opal Schools, following allegations of violating state education policies and victimising pupils whose parents failed to purchase textbooks directly from the institutions. The enforcement action was executed on Thursday by the Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) after obtaining a valid court order, THENEWSCREDIT reports. According to official statements, the closure followed numerous petitions from aggrieved parents and guardians. The regulatory board resorted to judicial intervention after the proprietor and administrators of the affected schools repeatedly failed to honour invitations to a meeting aimed at resolving the lingering complaints. BEQAEB Executive Secretary, Dr Terna Francis, led officials of the Directorate of Enforcement and Compliance to serve the court warrant on the premises. State authorities reiterated that the government’s standing policy is designed to provide financial flexibility for families by explicitly allowing parents to reuse textbooks previously purchased for older children. The state policy also permits parents to obtain textbook lists from schools and purchase the required books from external bookstores where prices might be more affordable. However, Orenda and Opal Schools allegedly insisted on a strict monopoly, forcing parents to buy materials directly from the school or face severe penalties, THENEWSCREDIT reports. The board revealed that pupils whose parents bought books from outside vendors were subjected to punitive treatments, including having their homework left unmarked by teachers. In worse cases, pupils were barred from bringing external textbooks into classrooms, a practice Dr Francis described as an unacceptable violation of learners’ rights that left several children demoralised. Further details showed that some parents who had already paid full tuition fees were given an ultimatum by the school administrations to either purchase the school-vended textbooks or withdraw their children entirely. The enforcement exercise, however, took a violent turn after the court order was served on the school’s proprietor, Onyinye Okoye. The board alleged that the proprietor led members of staff in a physical and verbal assault against the government team, which resulted in the destruction of an official BEQAEB vehicle. The board strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that regulatory disputes must be resolved through lawful channels rather than violence or intimidation. Dr Francis confirmed that Orenda and Opal Schools will remain sealed until the management fully complies with government regulations and demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting the rights of pupils. He further urged the public to formally report similar policy violations to the board, assuring them that all petitions backed by evidence will be thoroughly investigated.

The Federal Government has raised a major alarm over Nigeria’s basic education system, warning that high school attendance and enrolment figures are masking a deep-seated learning crisis. The government declared that evaluating schools based solely on the physical presence of pupils is a flawed metrics system that counts heads rather than the actual quality of knowledge acquired. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, brought the issue to the fore during a national trainers` session on safe learning environments, gender-responsive technology, and ICT skills for educators in Teacher Training Institutions. She maintained that traditional registers no longer provide an accurate picture of the country`s educational health, as millions of children spend days in classrooms without receiving a functional education. To back her concerns, Prof. Ahmad cited alarming 2024 data from UNICEF, which revealed that a staggering 74 per cent of Nigerian children aged seven to 14 years lack foundational reading, cognitive, and mathematics skills. This statistic highlights a grim reality where three out of every four children in the basic education bracket cannot read or solve basic arithmetic despite being enrolled in school. In response to this systemic failure, the minister announced comprehensive government plans to overhaul how Nigeria assesses basic education. Moving forward, the Federal Government will integrate classroom safety, student participation, and measurable learning outcomes into its educational evaluation framework, completely shifting the focus away from mere daily attendance headcounts. Explaining the psychological dimension of the crisis, Prof. Ahmad noted that children are frequently shut out from learning long before they ever drop out physically. She pointed out that hostile classroom environments—driven by unchecked bullying, exclusion, ridicule, and general insecurity—force many vulnerable students to mentally and emotionally detach from lessons. In a poignant address to educators, the minister described how easily these "silent dropouts" go unnoticed by teachers who rely strictly on school registers. "A girl does not always leave school on a day her name disappears from the register. Sometimes she leaves a little early while she is still sitting in the classroom; she raises her hand and is never called upon, other children laugh when she speaks, and no one stops them," Ahmad painted the picture. Consequently, the minister urged educators and institutional heads across the federation to prioritize what happens to learners once they step inside the school gates. She stressed that a child’s physical presence in school must be strictly matched by verifiable evidence that the learner feels safe, included, actively participates, and is genuinely absorbing the curriculum at every developmental stage. As part of institutional remedies to curb the menace, Ahmad revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education has introduced the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools along with its implementation guidelines. However, she warned that the policy would remain a dead letter unless teachers, school administrators, and adults take decisive, protective action when confronted with cases of child abuse and emotional exclusion.

A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has called on the Federal Government to stop giving loans to students. Instead, he said the government must treat education as a free, fundamental human right for every Nigerian child. Shittu made this call on Tuesday during a popular radio programme monitored by THENEWSCREDIT. He argued that government policies must focus on helping children from poor homes get quality education without any financial stress. The former minister strongly criticized the idea of giving loans to students to pay for their schooling. He explained that it makes no sense to give loans to people who will struggle to pay them back. He pointed out that the country is currently facing a massive unemployment crisis. According to him, there are many young graduates who finished university ten years ago but still do not have jobs. Shittu challenged government leaders and citizens to read the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. He stated that the constitution clearly orders the government to provide education and create opportunities for citizens to grow. THENEWSCREDIT reports that he also urged Nigeria to learn from other African countries like Rwanda. He explained that Rwanda invests a lot of money into its people through education, and Nigeria has enough wealth to do the same. The ex-minister expressed great sadness over the current economic hardship in the country. He revealed that he regularly receives heartbreaking messages from students who cannot even afford basic needs like food. Finally, Shittu warned that leaving education to poor families alone would cause major social problems in the future. He advised the government to fund public education properly so young people can gain useful skills and help the nation grow.

The National Examination Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The latest metrics reveal a significant milestone in Nigeria`s secondary education sector, characterized by steady academic performance and a drastic reduction in examination irregularities nationwide. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, made the announcement on Thursday during a comprehensive press briefing at the council’s headquarters. Addressing journalists, Wushishi provided a detailed statistical breakdown of candidate registration, attendance, and general performance outcomes for the 2026 examination cycle. According to the registrar, a total of 1,378,048 candidates registered for the nationwide school-based examination. However, data compiled by the council showed that 1,371,992 candidates eventually sat for the examination, indicating a highly impressive institutional attendance and participation rate across the various states. A further analysis of the performance indices revealed that 804,948 candidates secured five credits and above, including the mandatory English Language and Mathematics. This critical benchmark represents 58.67% of the total number of candidates who sat for the examination, marking a vital index for tertiary education eligibility. In a similar vein, candidates who obtained five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics stood at 1,126,118. This category accounts for 84.70% of the overall student population that completed the 2026 academic evaluation. The most notable breakthrough of the 2026 examination cycle was a historic drop in cheating. Prof. Wushishi revealed that only 1,496 candidates were involved in examination malpractice this year, representing a massive 64.74% decrease from the 3,878 cases recorded during the 2025 diet. The registrar attributed this sharp decline in academic dishonesty to the council`s ongoing technological advancements. Speaking during the interactive question-and-answer session, Wushishi explained that the strategic adoption of computer-based examinations (CBT) effectively neutralized traditional infractions and tightened overall security. Prof. Wushishi also seized the opportunity to address public concerns regarding illegal examination hubs, stating categorically that NECO does not recognize or tolerate "miracle centres." He clarified that the council operates under strict institutional guidelines, owning only one staff school and maintaining no affiliation with fraudulent operations. Concluding his address, the NECO boss shifted the responsibility of monitoring suspicious schools back to local authorities and private proprietors. He emphasized that if such compromised facilities exist, they are either established by state governments or run privately, reiterating that NECO remains fully committed to absolute examination integrity.

The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has announced the immediate expulsion of 42 students after they were found guilty of examination malpractice. The decisive action followed a thorough investigation by the institution’s Examination Malpractice Committee, which looked into various allegations of academic fraud levelled against the affected individuals. A breakdown of the penalised academic population shows that the expulsions cut across different tiers of the polytechnic’s technical programmes. The affected group comprises 31 Higher National Diploma (HND) students and 11 National Diploma (ND) students drawn from various academic institutes and departments within the institution. The school`s decision was made public in an official statement issued on Monday by Ibrahim Esin, the Principal Assistant Registrar of the Academic Board Matters Division. According to Esin, the management approved the severe disciplinary measure in strict accordance with the statutory provisions laid down in the Polytechnic’s Students’ Handbook. The statement further revealed that the actions of the expelled students directly violated the sacred Matriculation Oath they took upon gaining admission. Esin emphasised that the findings of the investigative panel confirmed the infractions, which effectively brought the students` academic relationship with the polytechnic to an end. A statistical analysis of the casualties showed that the Institute of Finance and Management Studies recorded the highest toll, accounting for 23 of the expelled students. The Institute of Technology followed with eight students, while the remaining cases were distributed across other faculties, including Information and Communication Technology, Health Technology, General Studies, and the Centre for Continuing Education. The affected students were enrolled in a wide array of professional fields, ranging from engineering to media sciences. Some of the notable courses included Mechatronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Journalism and Media Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Accountancy, and Medical Imaging Technology. Among the high-profile HND students listed in the official circular are Rasaq Faruq Tolani, Adebiyi Eniola Kofoworola, Nzekwe Domic Chibuike, Adekunle Khalid Boluwatife, and Raji Abdulhafeez Opeyemi. The expelled ND cadre includes Ayinde Aishat, Ekunnus Fridays Sunmisola, Sanusi Fathia Ayomide, Ameenulah Idris Olamilekan, and Magnus David Pelumi, among others. Following the termination of their studentship, the polytechnic management has directed all the affected individuals to immediately surrender all institutional property in their custody. They were ordered to hand over these items to their respective Heads of Department or other designated authorities of the institution without delay.

As primary and secondary schools across Nigeria officially resume for a new academic session, heavy economic burdens and lingering safety concerns have left millions of parents and guardians in a state of distress. The resumption, coinciding with yet another sharp increase in fuel prices, has triggered a wave of new financial demands that many families admit they are ill-equipped to handle. Private school owners have defended recent fee hikes, which range between 30 and 40 per cent. Speaking on the development, Otunba Yusuf Alaka, President of the Lagos chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), stated that school proprietors should not be held responsible for the upward review. Alaka argued that if the true impact of the current cost of living were to be factored in, the increase would have been significantly higher. He described the current 40 per cent adjustment as moderate under the prevailing economic conditions. However, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) strongly countered this stance, noting that families are already suffocating under severe economic pressure. NAPTAN Board of Trustees Chairman, Deolu Ogunbanjo, confirmed that the 30 to 40 per cent increment has made it exceptionally difficult for parents to cope, especially when combined with the skyrocketing costs of textbooks, uniforms, and other essential learning materials. In response to the growing financial strain, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued a statement urging parents to remain resilient. While acknowledging the harsh economic realities, the union pleaded with guardians not to withdraw their children from school, emphasizing that education remains non-negotiable for the country`s youth. Beyond the financial distress, the logistics of daily school runs have forced parents to seek alternative measures due to high fuel prices. One parent, Peter Attah, revealed that spending N10,000 daily on fuel to transport his child to school was unsustainable. To cut costs, he opted to hire a local tricycle operator, which charges a fraction of his monthly fuel budget. On the security front, the Federal and State Governments have reassured the public that security apparatuses have been heavily mobilized. The Federal Ministry of Education announced heightened vigilance and increased deployment around learning institutions, particularly unity colleges, to guarantee a safe learning environment. Despite these assurances, parents remain highly apprehensive about the safety of their children, pointing to the porous nature of many school premises. Critics and guardians have noted that while urban schools might enjoy a semblance of safety, rural institutions remain extremely vulnerable. Concerned stakeholders, including parents Ekoja Otache and Esther Adigwe, have urgently called on the Federal Government to prioritize the construction of perimeter fences around all public and boarding schools nationwide. They noted that proactive measures, rather than reactionary deployments after security breaches or kidnappings, are vital to protecting innocent children. Meanwhile, other citizens have appealed to private school proprietors to show empathy and moderate their charges, reminding them that access to quality education should not be entirely out of reach for the average Nigerian family.

Workers of the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday morning blocked the entrance to the ministry’s headquarters, preventing the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, from accessing their offices. A video circulating on X captured the tense moment workers gathered at the main gates just as a motorcade conveying the minister arrived at the premises. The protesting staff stood their ground, blocking access while chanting, “Alausa must go.” The demonstration marks a significant escalation in an ongoing dispute between the ministry’s workforce and the Federal Government. At the heart of the crisis is the controversial proposed 35-year concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its old boys’ association—a move the workers’ unions fiercely oppose. Beyond the concession dispute, the protesters are demanding the immediate removal of the minister, citing unresolved grievances over staff welfare and deep-seated administrative issues within the ministry. This latest shutdown underscores the failure of recent engagements between management and union representatives to broker peace, leaving tensions high at the education headquarters.

Public universities across Nigeria face another imminent shutdown as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to withdraw its services without further notice. The union issued the warning in a statement signed by its National President, Christopher Piwuna, following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja. According to the statement, the looming industrial action stems from the government’s failure to fully implement the December 2025 agreement, which took over eight years to negotiate. Key grievances driving the fresh agitation include the non-payment of 3.5 months of withheld salaries and the failure to remit billions of Naira in deductions already made from lecturers` earnings. ASUU warned that it should not be held responsible for the disruption of academic calendars if the federal and state governments fail to take immediate steps to address the welfare of Nigerian academics.

The Federal Government has announced a landmark digital intervention that will grant Nigerian students 100 megabytes (MB) of free daily data starting October 1, 2026. The initiative is specifically designed to grant learners unhindered access to approved educational websites and digital learning platforms across the country. The ambitious project is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a strategic partnership with major telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education. To ensure an orderly rollout, the scheme will initially benefit students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions before expanding to other categories of learners. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the formal announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the official launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria. "Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026," Alausa stated, while praising the vital contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Under the approved framework, participating mobile network operators—including industry giants MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Globacom—will provide the daily 100MB zero-rated allowance. This targeted data can only be utilized on specifically whitelisted educational platforms, preventing misuse while ensuring students stay connected to their studies. Minister Alausa emphasized that the cost of internet connectivity has become a severe barrier to modern education, especially for children from low-income households. He noted that providing zero-rated access will effectively transform personal mobile phones, tablets, and computers into digital classrooms and libraries for millions of struggling students. In a parallel development, the Minister disclosed that the government is actively designing strict measures to regulate internet access for children under the age of 16. He stressed that digital content made available to younger children must be appropriate, safe, credible, and fully aligned with the national curriculum, with comprehensive guidelines expected soon. Furthermore, the government is aggressively expanding its digital infrastructure through the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure and a unique Learner Identification Number (LIN) system. So far, over 240,000 schools have been geo-mapped across Nigeria as part of an ongoing effort to digitize the Annual School Census and track student enrollment and school safety. Providing technical clarity, the NCC Director of Policy, Competition, and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, explained that the ministry and the commission will jointly vet all learning platforms. The final whitelisted database will include comprehensive learning management systems, digital libraries, teacher development portals, and vocational training platforms. Addressing the socioeconomic impact, NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, lamented that millions of students are currently shut out of e-learning due to data costs. She declared that the fundamental principle of the zero-rated initiative is to ensure that no child is denied quality education based on their geographic location or family income. Supporting the initiative, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the framework as a massive leap toward total digital inclusion. The NCC has assured the public that the system contains strict safeguards regarding cybersecurity, data privacy, net neutrality, and consumer protection to guarantee a secure digital environment.

The Federal Government has announced the full payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to academic staff across all federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The disbursement covers an eight-month period spanning from January to August 2026, bringing a significant financial boost to the nation’s tertiary education workforce. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this major development on Wednesday in Abuja. Speaking shortly after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation, the Minister confirmed that the funds have been officially released by the apex government to the respective governing councils of the beneficiary institutions. CATA is a specialized financial allowance provided to academic staff to support the purchase of essential tools, books, and materials required for contemporary teaching, cutting-edge research, and other core academic activities. The release of the funds is expected to immediately ease the financial burdens associated with research delivery across public campuses. According to Dr Alausa, the prompt payment was executed in strict accordance with the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) agreement. He re-echoed the current administration’s unwavering commitment to implementing all signed pacts to guarantee a stable academic calendar. The Minister further stated that the Office of the Minister of Education has ensured all federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide receive formal notification. These institutions have been mandated to immediately commence the direct disbursement of the accumulated CATA funds to their academic staff. In a move to ensure inclusivity, Dr Alausa gave strong assurances that the welfare of non-academic workers is not being overlooked. He revealed that the CATA payment for non-academic staff is currently undergoing administrative processing, with expectations that these specific funds will be made available within the next few weeks. The Education Minister noted that this timely intervention is a clear reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s deep-seated commitment to improving the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff. He reiterated that the presidency has prioritized workforce satisfaction as a prerequisite for elevating the standard of higher education. Concluding his address, Alausa emphasized that the administration’s education reforms extend far beyond staff welfare. He highlighted ongoing, massive investments in infrastructure across tertiary campuses, as well as critical interventions in basic and postgraduate education aimed at making Nigerian graduates globally competitive.