FG On Ownership Of Kings College Lagos

The Federal Government has clarified that King’s College, Lagos, has not been sold or privatised, noting it retains legal ownership of the 117-year-old institution. 

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this yesterday in a statement to clarify the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession agreement with the King’s College Old Boys’ Association.

In the statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the minister explained that the concession only transferred responsibility for financing, rehabilitating, modernising, operating and maintainance of the school to the association.

Alausa stressed that the Federal Government retains its statutory, regulatory, monitoring, inspection and enforcement powers over the institution.

He said the concession was designed to address the institution’s infrastructure and operational needs as well as secure its long-term sustainability.

TEXTBOOKS: FG Sets Benchmark For Unity Schools

The Nigerian Government has set 70 per cent as the minimum benchmark for textbooks to qualify for ranking which draws a firm line against substandard instructional materials in declaration that books which fall below the required standard cannot be allowed to compromise the quality of education in Nigeria.

The minister of Education, Tunji Alausa who made the declaration in Abuja while he received the report and ranked list from the country’s first national textbook assessment and ranking exercise, has affirmed September 14th as resumption date for federal unity colleges.

Alausa explained that the national assessment would be conducted in three cycles to cover all levels of the basic and senior secondary school curriculum. 

He said henceforth the curriculum would be reviewed every three years to ensure it remains responsive to emerging educational, technological and societal needs.

NELFUND: Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences

  

More than 301 students of the Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan, have received one hundred and forty eight million three hundred and forty two thousand Naira in education loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session.

This was disclosed in an acknowledgement letter from the institution to NELFUND signed by the Provost, Dr. Owolabi Gbonjubola, expressed appreciation to the NELFUND management for the intervention.

The largest tranche of one hundred and thirty eight million six hundred and seventy two million was disbursed to 283 students on March 10, 2026.

A second tranche of two million three hundred and twenty eight thousand Naira followed on March 12th for the benefit of four students, while a third tranche of seven million three hundred and forty two thousand Naira was received on April 9th, for 14 students.

Elder Statesman Bamanga Tukur Dies

The Adamawa State government has announced the passing of Nigeria's elder statesman, the third Executive Governor of the defunct Gongola State and the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; who died aged 90 on Saturday September 12th 2026, three days to his 91st birthday.

Governor  Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State announced with deep sadness the passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, whom he described as an elder statesman, accomplished businessman and distinguished politician.

Governor Fintiri described his death as a monumental loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria, commending his courage, foresight, patriotism and lifelong commitment to public service.

Fintiri said the late Bamanga Tukur was a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria, whose wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service earned him a place of honour in Nigeria's history.

The Governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, friends, associates and the people of Adamawa State, urging them to draw strength from his enduring legacy of service and leadership.

In a statement by Chief press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Winosikou,  Governor Fintiri has declared a three day mourning across Adamawa State, during which all government flags shall fly at half-mast.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the late Tukur's shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and give his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Oyo Safe Schools: September 14th Resumption

The Oyo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has launched a Safe School initiative aimed at strengthening security around schools as well as creating a safer learning environment across the state.

The initiative, which coincided with the 42nd anniversary celebration of the PCRC in Oyo State, is part of the command’s renewed efforts to enhance school safety as schools resume for the new academic session.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka the command said the initiative would focus on increased police visibility around schools, protection of students, teachers and other school personnel, safeguarding of school infrastructure, improved community-based intelligence gathering and prompt response to emerging security threats.

The command said it would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, strategic community engagement and proactive security measures to anticipate and prevent threats to schools and their occupants.

It urged school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, students and members of the public to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or activities around schools.

Diphtheria: School Safety

The Plateau State Government has announced the reopening of public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, following the temporary closure of schools over the outbreak of diphtheria.

The government says measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of transmission to protect pupils and students as academic activities resume.

State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, in a statement has urged schools to remain vigilant and promptly report any child presenting symptoms associated with diphtheria.

Ramnap said the state government has been working round the clock to strengthen preventive and response measures aimed at containing the disease and minimising the risk of transmission within schools.

Parents and guardians were also advised to pay close attention to the personal hygiene and health of their children and wards.

WIMCA 2026

Union Bank And Its Brand Chief Get Thumbs Up For Gender Inclusion

Union Bank of Nigeria has emerged the Most Outstanding financial institution in Gender Inclusion at the Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA) 2026, recently held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island,  Lagos.

The laudable gesture is an affirmation of Union Bank’s commitment to advancing gender diversity through an inclusive workplace and financial ecosystem that empowers women, female entrepreneurs, and professionals with tailored products, capacity building, mentorship, networking, and broader economic opportunities.

WIMCA 2026 themed “Grow, Give, Glow: Building Resilience for Distinction,” convened leading female marketing and communications professionals from across Africa to explore industry trends, leadership, resilience, and women’s advancement within the brands marketing ecosystem.

Dubbed the largest gathering of female marketing and communications professionals on the African continent, the event brought together various speakers including Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, who was also named as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications.

Elated Aluko alongside other leading communications and brand executives who gathered for the prestigious conference described the feat and recognition as a strong validation of our sustained commitment to advancing gender inclusion as a driver of institutional excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

She said Union Bank is proud to champion platforms and initiatives that empower women to lead with confidence, build meaningful careers, as well as contribute significantly to the evolution of the marketing and communications industry.

The honour further strengthens the bank's resolve to create greater opportunities for women across its workplace, customer base, and wider society.

Established by leading Nigerian brand and marketing magazine "Brand Communicator", WIMCA has, since its inception, served as a premier platform for amplifying female leadership and advancing women’s participation in the brand, marketing, and communications industry.

Union Bank says it will continue to engage platforms that advance women’s empowerment and meaningful participation across the marketing communications industry; committed to fostering inclusive growth, strengthening opportunities for women, and contributing to the continued advancement of the brand, marketing, and communications landscape.