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JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates Who Missed 2025 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has distanced itself from a fraudulent website soliciting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to the board, the site titled “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and the associated Sterling Bank account number 8520641017 are part of a scam operation. This clarification was made in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, who noted that the account is being used to deceive and extort unsuspecting candidates. “We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME. “Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination. “Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics. ” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency. “The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said. Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity. He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
5/2/2025, 7:02:12 AM
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ICPC Probes Disbursement Of Student Loan, Says N71bn Unaccounted For
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a probe into discrepancies in the disbursement of student loans, revealing that ₦71 billion is currently unaccounted for. The investigation follows reports implicating several institutions in unauthorized deductions and exploitation linked to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund). These institutions allegedly made illegal deductions ranging from ₦3,500 to ₦30,000 from students’ institutional fees accessed through NELFund, prompting the ICPC to take action. “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced a comprehensive investigation into alleged discrepancies surrounding the disbursement of student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND),” the anti-graft agency said in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare. It added that, “Preliminary findings revealed a significant gap in the financial records of the disbursement process. While the Federal Government reportedly released N100 billion for the scheme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving an unaccounted sum of N71.2 billion”. READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced a comprehensive investigation into alleged discrepancies surrounding the disbursement of student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This action follows a recent media report alleging that no fewer than 51 tertiary institutions were implicated in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the NELFUND scheme. These institutions were alleged to have made unauthorized deductions ranging from N3,500 to N30,000 from each student’s institutional fees received through the loan fund. Preliminary findings revealed a significant gap in the financial records of the disbursement process. While the Federal Government reportedly released N100 billion for the scheme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving an unaccounted sum of N71.2 billion. The Commission confirmed that its Chairman’s Special Task Force immediately swung into action upon receiving the report. Letters of investigation and invitations were dispatched to key stakeholders, including the Director General of the Budget Office, the Accountant General of the Federation, and senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NELFUND were invited to provide documentation and explanations relevant to the case. According to the Commission, the responses received were critically analyzed, and interviews were conducted with the concerned individuals. According to the ICPC, its strength of investigation revealed that the total money received by NELFUND as of March 19, 2024, was N203.8 billion. “The breakdown showed that N10 Billion was an allocation from the Federation Allocation Account Committee, N50 billion was from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, N71.9B was from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, while another N71.9 billion was also from the same Tertiary Education Trust Fund.” ICPC, however, found that the total amount disbursed to institutions from inception to date is about N44,200,933,649.00, while a total of 299 institutions have benefited from the funds released. To date, the total amount disbursed to 299 beneficiary institutions stands at approximately N44.2 billion, with 293,178 students having benefited from the fund. The ICPC confirmed that a clear case of discrepancies has been established in the administration of the student loan scheme and announced that its investigation will now extend to beneficiary institutions and individual student recipients. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
5/2/2025, 6:40:07 AM
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Lagos~Calabar Coastal Highway To Be Ready Jan 2026~ Umahi
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is projected to be completed by January 2026. He revealed this on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the project. “We came to review the project with the financial promoters – Dutch Bank and Development Bank of Southern Africa,” he said. “I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we will have this road completed,” the minister said. Umahi said that the financial promoters of the highway were satisfied with the work progress, quality, method, and every other thing about the project. He also praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for its efforts. “The road is exceptionally technically well-designed. “The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres, but what they are doing is 280 millimetres. “I commend also the department in charge of this project – the Department of Bridge and Roads, and, of course, the controller of works in Lagos,” he said. Umahi said that the greatest worry he could have would be motorists joining the highway from their ‘houses’. “It is going to be a very serious issue, so we have to design a barrier. “I know that you are putting a retaining wall, but you have not incorporated a retaining wall all through.” He said that, as a superhighway, it would be expected that motorists would join it at flyovers and interchanges to avoid gridlock.
5/1/2025, 1:52:01 PM
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Labour Urges Tinubu To Immediately Reverse Fubara’s Suspension, Withdraw Tax Bills
Organised Labour in Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse what it deems an unconstitutional suspension of the elected government of Rivers State under the guise of a state of emergency. This call was made by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Comrade Festus Osifo, during the May Day celebrations at Eagle Square, Abuja. The labour leaders called on both federal and state governments to halt actions that shrink civic space and instead work to expand democratic freedoms. They demanded greater democratic accountability through transparent governance, electoral reforms, and an end to the suppression of dissenting voices. Labour also called on the Federal Government to stop what it described as genocidal killings and widespread violence across the country, emphasizing that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Regarding tax legislation currently before the National Assembly, organised labour demanded the withdrawal of the bills, insisting that Nigerian workers must be part of the policymaking process. They argued that the proposed tax measures unfairly target workers while allowing the wealthy and corporate entities to evade their fair share. On telecommunications, labour called for an immediate reduction of the recently increased tariff rate from 50 percent to 35 percent. In addition, organised labour demanded immediate salary adjustments in line with prevailing economic conditions, as well as the payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities nationwide. Other key demands include the restoration of gratuity payments, a review of the retirement age, and automatic pension adjustments to reflect inflation.
5/1/2025, 1:42:20 PM
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Defections: No Politician Above The Law, All Corrupt Leaders Will Answer~ EFCC
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the commission’s steadfast dedication to impartiality in the anti-corruption fight, emphasizing that all politicians, regardless of party affiliation, will be held accountable for financial crimes. Speaking on Channels Television, Olukoyede affirmed that the EFCC strictly adheres to its legal mandate to investigate and prosecute those involved in corrupt activities. “If someone is found to have engaged in corruption or financial crimes, it is our duty to investigate. Where we establish sufficient grounds for prosecution, we proceed to trial. I have operated strictly within the bounds of this mandate, and I believe Nigerians can attest to that,” he said, addressing concerns over the agency’s perceived political bias. He acknowledged that while some may view the EFCC’s actions through a political lens, the Commission remains guided solely by evidence of wrongdoing. Olukoyede pointed out that many high-profile cases under investigation involve members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasising that the EFCC does not discriminate based on political affiliation. “If Nigerians assess our work fairly, they will recognise that, based on the statistics of our investigations and prosecutions, particularly in high-profile cases, a notable number of individuals from the ruling party, the APC, are among those we have pursued. We must be judged fairly. It is not just members, but also prominent figures within the ruling party who have been investigated and charged,” he stated. He further clarified that the decision of individuals under investigation to align themselves with a political party does not deter the EFCC from fulfilling its responsibilities. “If we discover that you have stolen money, you must answer, regardless of whether you belong to the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, or SDP. If a member of the APC has stolen money, they must face the consequences. If a member of the PDP has committed theft, they too will be held accountable,” he warned.
5/1/2025, 1:36:42 PM
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Otuaro Pays Tribute To Former Deputy Gov Late Prof. Amos Utuama
The immediate Past Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro, Esq., FSPSP, has paid a tribute to the late H.E. Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, describing him as a man of wisdom, integrity, and excellence. Speaking on behalf of his family, friends, and political associates, Otuaro expressed gratitude to God for the impactful life of Prof. Utuama, noting that although he has passed on, his legacy remains unforgettable. He further extended prayers for the strength and comfort of the bereaved family, urging all to uphold the values the late professor lived for: honesty, integrity, excellence, service, and faith in God. Otuaro also prayed for the smooth execution of plans to give Prof. Utuama a befitting farewell. Otuaro said, "On behalf of my family, friends and political associates, I give thanks to the Almighty God for the impactful life of Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN. Though he has passed on, his legacy of service, wisdom, and dedication to Delta State remains unforgettable. "Prof. was a man of deep insight, integrity, and excellence. As his successor, I particularly remember the invaluable resource materials he left in the Deputy Governor’s library — a testament to his commitment to knowledge and governance.We also thank God for the family he leaves behind and pray that the Lord strengthens and comforts them in this time of grief. "Let us honour his memory by upholding the values he lived for: Honesty, Integrity, Excellence, Service and Faith in God.May all efforts to give him a befitting farewell proceed smoothly. "We thank God for his life and legacy.Rest in peace, Prof.God bless us all. Amen.
4/30/2025, 6:30:04 PM
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