Mandatory Ethics and Criminal Screening for Private and Public School Teachers Says FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework to ensure that all teachers in public and private schools undergo thorough background checks before employment. 

Spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the initiative aims to restore professionalism and accountability in the education system by entrusting the nurturing of future generations to individuals of sound moral character.

The framework will be integrated into the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, enabling real-time registration, licensing, and monitoring of teachers. 

This move is expected to prevent impersonation, forgery, and the employment of unqualified staff in schools. 

The TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, noted that the digital portal will also enhance teacher quality through features such as AI-powered lesson planning and state-level investigation panels.

Why DPM is Important at the DPC Level (A Must Read)

Many times, clients see black plastic sheets being spread during construction at the DPC (Damp Proof Course) level and wonder why money is being “wasted” on nylon. That sheet is not ordinary nylon, it is called a DPM, which means Damp Proof Membrane, and it plays a critical role in protecting your building.

What is a DPM?

A DPM is a thick polythene sheet placed on the foundation or at the DPC level before casting the oversite concrete. Its function is to stop ground moisture from penetrating the floor and walls of your building.

Why is it Necessary?

 1. Moisture Control

Soil naturally contains water. Without a DPM, this moisture rises into your walls and floors. Over time, you will see damp patches, peeling paint, mold, and unhealthy living conditions.

 2. Durability of Structure

Moisture weakens plaster and finishes, leading to frequent repairs. A proper DPM saves you maintenance costs and extends the life of your house.

 3. Healthy Indoor Environment

When dampness enters a house, it attracts mold and fungi, which cause bad smells and can affect your health. The DPM creates a barrier that keeps your interior dry and comfortable.

 4. Energy Efficiency

Dry walls and floors are easier to keep cool. Without dampness, your building responds better to ventilation, reducing the strain on fans or air conditioning.

In Nigeria’s hot and humid climate, dampness spreads faster than you think. Many old houses without DPM show this problem clearly, with water lines visible at the lower part of the walls.

The truth is simple, a building without DPM is like wearing shoes in the rain without socks, water will always find its way in.

So when next you see that black sheet on site, know it is not waste, it is insurance for your building’s comfort, durability, and value.

FG Releases Detail Curriculum Structure for History (Primary 1 to JS3); Says Subjects Now Compulsory (Press Statement)

 

HERITAGE RESTORED: The Federal Government has reintroduced Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the basic education curriculum to strengthen national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.

For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education.

Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values.

According to the Ministers of Education, this reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.

The Ministry has released the revised curriculum and will retrain teachers, provide resources, and strengthen monitoring.

UBA Group Lied; We Lost Colleagues In the Afriland Fire Incident, Says Tony O. Elumelu (Press Statement)

Lagos, Nigeria — A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Afriland Tower, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, throwing the busy business district into panic and disrupting commercial activities.

According to eyewitnesses, thick smoke was first seen billowing from the basement, later identified as the inverter room, before spreading rapidly to upper floors. Occupants were forced to flee the building, with some breaking windows and climbing down ladders to escape.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that emergency teams from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations were deployed to the scene. Nine people were rescued during the operation, five of whom were successfully resuscitated, while four others remained in critical condition.

The incident triggered chaos on Broad Street as traffic was blocked to allow fire trucks access, leaving hundreds of workers and visitors stranded.

In a statement, Afriland Properties Plc, owners of the tower, expressed regret over the incident and said preliminary findings pointed to the inverter room as the source of the fire. Meanwhile, UBA clarified that its corporate headquarters at Marina was unaffected, dispelling rumors that its main office was involved.

Lagos State Fire Service officials have since declared the blaze under control but said structural safety assessments of the tower are ongoing. Investigations are also underway to determine the full extent of the damage and whether safety standards were adequately followed. 

In a twist, the chairman of the UBA Group Tony Elumelu has retracted the statement issued by the management of the UBA Group.....

Read Statement from his tweets on the official X handle:

The past few hours have been tough. 

We and others lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. 

As a community, we are grieving for all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones.

I also saw the initial statement from the comms team at @UBAGroup which was put out in haste, without understanding the full gravity of what happened. This is  regrettable. 

The statement does not reflect how deeply saddened we are. The loss of a life is painful, all the more so when it is family and friends. We are praying for all the lives lost.

Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who passed. They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always. 

May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us all🙏🏽

Viral Video: You Committed No Sin for Possession of Stun Gun; Lagos Police Tells Pastor Paul Adefarasin (Press Statement)

Re: Investigation of Pastor Paul Adefarasin

Following the incident, wherein Pastor Paul Adefarasin turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, in connection with a viral video showing him holding a gun-like object, the Lagos State Police Command wishes to provide a further update on the matter.

After a thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object in question was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon or firearm.

Consequent on our findings, the Lagos State Police Command has determined that there are no sufficient grounds to proceed with the matter. The case is hereby discontinued.

The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety while maintaining transparency in all investigations.

SP ABIMBOLA ADEBISI, anipr, mipra
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
LAGOS STATE COMMAND
IKEJA
September 17, 2025

Here is the background story:

Police Probe Pastor Paul Adefarasin Over Viral Stun Gun Incident

Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Police Command has questioned popular televangelist and founder of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, after a viral video showed him brandishing what appeared to be a firearm from his luxury SUV.

The footage, widely circulated online, captured the cleric rolling down his car window and pointing an object resembling a gun at a passer-by identified as a car spotter. The incident sparked outrage, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation.

Responding to the controversy, Pastor Adefarasin denied carrying any firearm, insisting the object was harmless. His church later clarified that it was a strobe-light device, not a weapon.

However, police investigators who retrieved the item identified it as a stun gun — a device classified under Nigerian law as a prohibited anti-riot weapon.

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily appeared before detectives and was granted bail while investigations continue. He warned that “pointing a stun gun, or any object resembling a firearm, in a manner that instills fear constitutes an offence.”

Legal experts have since weighed in, noting that while stun guns are non-lethal, their possession and use are tightly regulated. “Under the Firearms Act and related laws, any anti-riot weapon without clearance is considered illegal,” one lawyer explained.

The incident has sparked debates on accountability among public figures and the legality of self-defense gadgets in Nigeria. Many Nigerians on social media expressed concern over the potential misuse of such devices, while others defended the cleric, arguing that the content creator’s actions may have provoked the response.

For now, the police have pledged a thorough probe to determine whether Pastor Adefarasin’s actions amount to a criminal offence.

JUST-IN: NECO Releases 2025 SSCE Results; Records 60% Pass

 

The National Examination Council (NECO) has released the results of 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with 60.26 percent of candidates recording five credits and above in English and Mathematics.

Releasing the result at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State capital on Wednesday, NECO Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi announced, “Number of candidates with five Credits and above, including Mathematics and English is 818,492 representing 60.26%.”

Similarly, Prof Wushishi put the number of candidates with five Credits and above, irrespective of Mathematics and English at 1,144,496, representing 84.26%.

He disclosed that the 1,367,210 candidates registered for the examination with 685,514 males and 681,696 females while 1,358,339 sat for the examination with 680,292 males and 678,047 females.

To check your NECO result, go to the official NECO Results Portal at www.results.neco.gov.ng. On the portal, select the correct examination year and type, then enter your purchased token number and examination number to view your scores. You may need to purchase a token on the portal if you don't have one. 

Here are the steps to check your NECO result online:

Go to the official NECO portal: Open your web browser and navigate to https://results.neco.gov.ng/. 

Select your examination details: Choose the relevant year your exam was conducted and select the correct examination type (e.g., SSCE Internal or SSCE External). 

Enter your token number: This is a unique number you need to purchase to access the results. 

Enter your examination number: Input the examination number assigned to you during the exam. 

Click "Check Result": After filling in all the required details, click the button to view your result. 

What if you don't have a token? 

You can purchase a token directly from the NECO results portal if you haven't already.

Other ways to view results

e-Verification: For ongoing verification and confirmation of results, use the NECO e-Verify Portal at https://everify.neco.gov.ng/. 

SMS: You can also send a text message to the designated NECO number with your examination number, token, and year to receive your result via SMS.

Massive Flooding: Ogun Government Tells Residents to Relocate (See List of Affected Communities)

RELOCATE TO SAFER ENVIRONMENT, OGUN WARNS RESIDENTS ADJOINING OGUN, ILO, OWA, YEMULE,  IJU RIVERS  AND OTHER COASTLINES AREAS.

 Ogun state government has warned residents of communities adjoining Ogun, Ilo, Iju,, Owa, Yemule,  Rivers such as Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju and those of the coastline of Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island and Agosasa in Ipokia local government to   relocate to safer environment between the last week of this month and the second week of October because of the expected impact of overflow from these Rivers and sea water rise/tidal lock in their communities due to expected high rainfall and arrival of flow from the northern part of the country and neighbouring country like Benin to Ogun and Lagos State on the downstream. That of the Ogun River may be compounded by the release of water from Oyan Dam.

The warning was contained in the 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert Press Statement released this Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya to residents of the State as it prepares for the second phase of flooding. According to him, the overflow,which will last for two weeks, usually happens as part of the second phase of flooding, which usually happens from September through November every year.

Oresanya added that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency NIMET, has predicted that September will have the highest rainfall of 204mm, followed by October at 190mm while by November the intensity of the rainfall wound have gone down to 93mm. He therefore assured the residents of these communities that the State government through its State Emergency Management Agency SEMA is on red alert in case of any emergency evacuation and relocation to temporary emergency camps spread across the State while the State Ministry of Environment is also working closely with the Ogun - Osun River Basin Development Authority on the release of water from OyanDam to reduce its impact to the barest minimum. Oresanya also urged residents in these communities to avoid the usage of their boreholes and well waters at this period as they are subject to contamination due to the expected flooding and tidal variations.

He equally used the opportunity to call on fish farmers farming on flood plains of rivers and streams statewide to harvest their fishes to avert them being washed away by flood while fish farmers at Eriwe, Yemule, both in Ijebu ode, Ilase and Ayegbami in Yewa are equally advised to heed the advice without further delay.

While thanking residents of the state for their  understanding on all environmental issues especially on its yearly flood alert, he lauded them for their cooperation with the State government in the last six years which has reduced flooding and its impact greatly statewide and pledged the state government commitment to continually do the needful to make the state flood free.

FG Makes TRCN Certification Mandatory for Schools to Host WASSCE, NECO and NABTEB Exams

FG Makes TRCN Certification Mandatory for Schools to Host Public Exams

In a major push to professionalize teaching, the Federal Government has declared that all secondary schools must ensure their teachers are certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) or face a ban from serving as examination centres for major public exams.

The directive was issued on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a memo to the Registrar of the TRCN. The move is designed to enforce minimum standards and qualifications for educators across the country.

According to the new policy, starting from 2027, the accreditation of any secondary school to host examinations like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), NECO, NABTEB, and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) will be contingent on their teachers being duly registered and licensed by the TRCN.

The minister outlined specific deadlines for each examination body:

· March 2027 for WASSCE

· May 2027 for NABTEB

· June 2027 for NECO

· June 2027 for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NBIAS/SAISSCE)

“Any school whose teachers are not duly registered and licensed with the TRCN shall be disqualified from serving as an examination centre,” the minister stated.

To ensure a smooth transition, the government has given a two-year compliance window. State governments have been urged to ensure all teachers in both state-owned and private secondary schools meet the requirement. Schools are expected to achieve a minimum of 75% compliance by 2026 and 100% by 2027.

Acknowledging that not all current teachers are education graduates, the minister provided a pathway to compliance. He encouraged such teachers with at least 12 months of classroom experience to enroll in an abridged professional certification programme offered by the National Teachers Institute (NTI).

"The institute offers an abridged professional certification programme with short professional courses lasting three to six months, after which participants can qualify for TRCN registration and licensing," Alausa said.

The minister called on all stakeholders to prioritize the directive and ensure wide sensitization to avoid any disruption to the accreditation process for the crucial public examinations. This policy represents one of the most significant steps taken to institutionalize professionalism within the Nigerian teaching workforce.

Abia State Government Bans Nursery & Lower Primary Graduation Ceremonies

Abia State Government Bans Nursery & Lower Primary Graduation Ceremonies, Prohibits School Switching in SS2

The Abia State Government has rolled out new education policies aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and strengthening standards across schools.

Briefing journalists after this week’s Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced that graduation ceremonies will now be restricted to only terminal classes—Primary 6 and SS3—in both public and private schools.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, explained that it was unnecessary for nursery and lower-class pupils to hold graduation ceremonies that compel parents to spend heavily.

Another major decision is the separation of textbooks from workbooks. According to Ubochi, this will enable younger siblings to reuse textbooks while workbooks remain unique to each child.

The government also directed parents to ensure they collect their children’s basic education certificates, lamenting that many First School Leaving Certificates are often abandoned. To tackle this, schools have been instructed not to charge more than ₦2,000 for Primary 6 certificates.

In addition, the state has made it compulsory for candidates enrolling for WAEC, NECO, or JAMB to present their basic education certificates. No student will be admitted into SS3 without passing a state-organized mandatory promotion exam in SS2.

Ubochi further stressed that all schools—public and private—must participate in the promotion exam, while switching schools between SS2 and SS3 will no longer be permitted. This move, he said, is aimed at curbing examination malpractice and strengthening accountability.

“These measures are designed to reduce financial pressure on parents, promote accountability, and ensure integrity in the education system,” Ubochi stated.

2025 UTME: JAMB approves cancellation of Over 4000 results over AI tech-driven cheating (Read Details)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered 4,251 cases of “finger blending” and 190 instances of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing during its ongoing investigations into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB explained that finger blending is a sophisticated form of biometric manipulation where candidates attempt to merge or disguise fingerprints to bypass the Board’s stringent identity verification process. Similarly, some individuals resorted to advanced AI-powered image morphing technology, altering photographs on registration data to enable impersonators to sit for the exam on behalf of genuine candidates.

Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed the findings while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Board’s post-examination audits. He noted that the Board’s deployment of improved forensic tools and digital intelligence systems exposed the fraudulent activities, which would have otherwise compromised the integrity of the examination.

“These discoveries highlight the lengths some candidates are willing to go in order to cheat the system. However, our enhanced detection mechanisms continue to frustrate such attempts and preserve the credibility of the UTME,” Prof. Oloyede stated.

He further revealed that all identified cases are under investigation, with many already forwarded to law enforcement agencies for prosecution. The affected candidates risk cancellation of their results, debarment from future examinations, and possible criminal charges.

The revelations underscore JAMB’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s tertiary admission process from technological fraud and malpractice. As the 2025 admission cycle progresses, the Board has reassured stakeholders that no effort will be spared in upholding the integrity of its examinations and ensuring that only deserving candidates secure places in higher institutions.

BREAKING: US Releases New Visa Update (A Must Read)

New Visa Update: Apply in your country of residence!

Effective immediately, nonimmigrant visa applicants must schedule their #USvisa interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.

September 6, 2025

Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments:

Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in their country of nationality or residence.

Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.  See the list below to determine the designated location for NIV applications.

Designated Locations for Nonimmigrant Visa Processing

NATIONAL OF DESIGNATED LOCATIONS(S)

Afghanistan             Islamabad

Belarus                     Vilnius, Warsaw

Chad             Yaoundé

Cuba             Georgetown

Haiti             Nassau

Iran                     Dubai

Libya             Tunis

Niger             Ouagadougou

Russia             Astana, Warsaw

Somalia             Nairobi

South Sudan             Nairobi

Sudan             Cairo

Syria             Amman

Ukraine             Krakow, Warsaw

Venezuela             Bogota

Yemen             Riyadh

Zimbabwe             Johannesburg

 

Applicants should note the following:

Residence Requirement:  Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency.

Fees:  Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa.  Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.

Appointment Availability:  Wait times for nonimmigrant interview appointments  vary by location.  Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.

Existing Appointments:  Existing nonimmigrant visa appointments will generally not be cancelled.

Exceptions:  This guidance does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, applicants for diplomatic-type or official-type visas (regardless of classification), or applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement.  Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.

Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites  for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.

This supersedes previous guidance on visa application requirements, including designated visa processing locations.