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JAMB awaits post-UTME results of underage candidates cleared for admission

Sixteen out of the 71 universities that received applications for admissions of underage candidates failed to meet the September 15, 2025, deadline set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for the submission of post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination screening results.

JAMB had directed 71 universities that received applications from underage candidates to submit their post-UTME results early to enable speedy processing of admissions.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, recently disclosed that out of the 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, only about 500 scaled through initial screening.

He noted that four institutions — the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and Osun State University — formally notified JAMB that they would not admit underage candidates under any circumstances.

However, data obtained by The PUNCH showed that 40 underage candidates were affected by the delay from the 16 universities yet to submit results. These include Abia State University (one applicant), Bayelsa Medical University (one), Bingham University, Karu (three), Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi (one), Federal University, Lokoja (two), Kwara State University (four), Lead City University (two), Madonna University (one), McPherson University (two), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (one), Modibbo Adama University (one), Rhema University (one), TopFaith University (one), University of Abuja (12), and University of Calabar (six).

JAMB explained that consideration was being given only to candidates who scored at least 320 in the UTME, secured a minimum of 80 per cent in post-UTME, and obtained 80 per cent (24/30 points) in a single sitting of WAEC or NECO.

The policy shift followed complaints by parents and stakeholders that high-performing candidates were being denied admission strictly on the basis of age.

by Dan Poster — September 29, 2025 in Cover 0

Nigeria can tap bonds for maritime growth – NGX

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Jude Chiemeka, has said that the nation’s maritime industry can leverage blue bonds to raise funds from the capital market to finance infrastructure development projects in the marine and blue economy sector.

Chiemeka, who stated this recently in Lagos during the 3rd quarter citizens’ and stakeholders’ engagement of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and its agencies, explained that these bonds can be raised through bond issuance programmes and listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

According to him, Nigeria’s 853 km coastline and rich waterways represent multi-billion-dollar opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, ports, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism, adding that a well-managed blue economy can significantly boost gross domestic product, create millions of jobs, and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.

“Nigeria’s Blue Economy has the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Alternative sustainable financing is the key to moving Nigeria’s marine and blue economy policy into impact.

With innovative instruments like blue bonds, blended finance, and thematic instruments, the ministry can mobilise billions in new capital,” Chiemeka said.

Nigeria’s marine and blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and waterway resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health. With a coastline stretching 853 kilometres and abundant inland waterways, Nigeria is strategically positioned to benefit from a thriving maritime economy. However, despite this potential, the sector remains underdeveloped, mainly due to inadequate infrastructure, low investment, and fragmented policy implementation. Blue bonds are innovative debt instruments used to finance projects that benefit ocean ecosystems and coastal economies.

Chiemeka highlighted that the nation’s marine and blue economy sector required $10bn over the next decade to restore mangroves and wetlands, modernise ports and logistics, expand aquaculture and cold-chain facilities, and upgrade wastewater and pollution control systems.

The NGX CEO added that the current budget allocation is far below the required scale to spur development in the sector, maintaining that mobilising private and institutional capital remains essential to fully realise developmental aspirations.

He stated that NGX stands ready to partner with the ministry to “operationalise these instruments and create a financing transformation for Nigeria’s marine future.” “Together, we can move from policy to impact, financing the future of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.”

He pointed out that the blue (or thematic) bonds reduce the project funding cost compared to bank loans, stressing that they offer an opportunity for institutional investors to participate in infrastructure projects through listed, tradable securities that can offer superior risk-adjusted returns.

“Blended finance works by using public or philanthropic funds (concessional capital) to catalyse private sector investment in projects that contribute to sustainable development but may not otherwise attract commercial funding due to high perceived risks or low returns. This approach has been implemented across various sectors, with a particular focus on infrastructure, energy, and financial services in developing countries. Suitable for capital-intensive projects such as port modernisation, wastewater treatment plants, aquaculture hubs, and cold-chain logistics for fisheries, it enables Nigerian pension funds and banks to participate in blue economy financing with reduced risk,” he explained.

by Dan Poster — September 29, 2025 in Business 0

SEC Raises Alarm Over AI-Generated Investment Scams In Nigeria

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned Nigerians to beware of a rising wave of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scams that are targeting unsuspecting investors with promises of guaranteed profits and fake celebrity endorsements.

The Commission recalls that platforms such as CBEX, Silverkuun, and TOFRO were operating illegally by advertising AI-powered trading systems that promise unrealistic returns.

“These platforms are not registered or regulated by the SEC, yet they continued to mislead the public with false claims of AI-driven investments. They posed serious risks to investors hence the commission issued series of disclaimers against their activities,” the Commission stated.

The SEC explained that fraudsters are increasingly turning to deepfake videos and AI-generated content to lure victims, pointing that manipulated videos featuring politicians, celebrities, and TV hosts are being shared through Facebook ads, Instagram reels, and Telegram groups to give fraudulent platforms an air of credibility.

According to the Commission, “Scammers are exploiting AI to fabricate endorsements and testimonials that appear genuine. This has made traditional fraud detection methods less effective, hence the need for tech-enabled regulation and greater public awareness.”

To counter the growing threat, the SEC explained that it is adopting advanced surveillance systems capable of detecting fraudulent activity in real time, adding that partnerships with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) are being strengthened to enable data-sharing and joint enforcement actions.

“We are moving from reactive to predictive oversight. This is essential in combating fraud and systemic risks in our market,” the Commission emphasized.

The regulator said it has also engaged social media companies to clamp down on misleading ads and cautioned influencers against promoting unlicensed investment schemes.

“Any influencer or blogger found to be complicit in promoting illegal platforms will face regulatory sanctions or even prosecution,” SEC warned.

The Commission urged Nigerians to take extra precautions before investing, stressing that any scheme promising daily profits, zero risk, or celebrity-backed endorsements should be treated with suspicion.

It stated: “Any investment that guarantees unrealistic returns or uses manipulated videos of public figures should immediately raise a red flag”.

The Commission further encouraged Nigerians to verify the registration status of any investment platform on its website, where a list of licensed Capital Market Operators is available.

It added that investors should confirm that registration numbers displayed on company websites match the details on the SEC portal and avoid platforms that only operate through Telegram or WhatsApp without a verifiable office address.

Suspicious platforms or fraudulent ads can be reported directly to the SEC via email at sec@sec.gov.ng, by phone at +234 9 462 1168, or through its online complaints portal.

by Dan Poster — September 29, 2025 in Business 0

Dangote Refinery Accuses PENGASSAN Of Economic Sabotage

.. Directive Threatens Fuel Availability, Government Revenue

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of attempting to sabotage the country’s energy supply chain following a directive issued by the union to its branches to cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the company described the directive as “a brazen display of lawlessness and criminality,” warning that the move could plunge Nigeria back into widespread fuel scarcity and disrupt the availability of key petroleum products, including petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel, and cooking gas.

According to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN on 26 September instructed its members in various multinational oil companies and subsidiaries including TotalEnergies, Seplat, Renaissance, Chevron, Oando, Shell Nigeria Gas, and NGIC to halt crude oil loading operations and cut off gas supply to the facility “with immediate effect.”

The refinery stressed that the union has no legal authority to interfere with contracts signed between the refinery and its suppliers, insisting that such interference amounts to “economic sabotage” against both the company and the Nigerian state.

“This is a brazen, albeit shocking display of lawlessness and criminality by PENGASSAN. Absolutely no law gives PENGASSAN the right to direct its branches to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all. There is also no law in our statute books that would support or enable the PENGASSAN branches having to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all,” the statement read. “Besides, it constitutes a criminal conduct for PENGASSAN or its members to disrupt and/or interfere howsoever in the contract between Dangote Refinery and its various vendors for the supply of gas and crude oil to the Refinery. Those supply contracts were not entered into with PENGASSAN; they were entered into by Dangote Refinery with third party vendors and suppliers and PENGASSAN has no right whatsoever to disrupt and/or interfere with the performance of those contracts”.

It noted that PENGASSAN needs to be reminded that Nigeria is a country governed by laws.

“Our laws do not brook self-help and mob action that could introduce mayhem and chaos and easily translate into anarchy,” it added.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, world’s largest single-train refinery and one of Nigeria’s highest taxpayers, argued that the directive undermines investor confidence and threatens revenues accruing to federal and state governments. The company also described the refinery as a strategic national asset that should be safeguarded rather than targeted.

“We are, by this write-up, drawing the attention of the Federal Government and its security and law enforcement agencies – as well as all other levels of governments in Nigeria – to this criminal, lawless, reckless and irresponsible conduct of PENGASSAN and calling on them – the Federal Government and its agencies, in particular – to call the Association to order. PENGASSAN has no right to introduce anarchy and mayhem into our society. The Association is not above the law, and it must not be allowed to believe that it is or behave as if it is,” it said

The statement further criticised the union for what it called “a contradictory stance,” noting that while PENGASSAN had earlier pledged to pursue legal action against the refinery, it “abandoned the path of lawfulness and embraced mob action.”

The refinery noted that apart from the lawlessness and criminality inherent in the PENGASSAN’s instruction to its branches, the Association’s directive amounts to economic sabotage at multiple levels.

“In plain language, PENGASSAN has directed its branches to disrupt and stop the supply of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery to Nigerians. The products that would be disrupted and stopped include but are not limited to aviation fuel, petrol, kerosene, diesel and cooking gas – all products that are used and required by all stripes of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria, whether high and mighty or lowly and ordinary. In what circumstance would it be justified for PENGASSAN to so disrupt and introduce insufferable hardship into the living conditions of Nigerians? None that we can see. The follow up question is, in whose interest and on whose behalf is PENGASSAN directing and intending to inflict such anarchic and criminal disruption upon the Nigerian society and persons living in Nigeria? Most certainly, not in the interest of the Nigerian State and/or the Nigerian public and citizens,” it added.

It stressed that it is also economic sabotage against the Nigerian State at multiple levels as the Dangote Refinery is the only refinery of its type in Africa and ordinarily should be the pride of all Nigerians as well as the governments of Nigeria.

“It should ordinarily have special protection and status and indeed qualifies as a strategic national asset. An irreparable injury to the Dangote Refinery such as PENGASSAN has directed constitutes a national embarrassment to all of us. The directive is a disincentive to external investors who ordinarily would have been encouraged by the success of Dangote Refinery to contemplate investing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector or generally. PENGASSAN may also not be aware that Dangote Refinery is one of the largest contributors to the revenue purse of the Nigerian governments – both Federal and sub-nationals. That contribution is currently threatened by PENGASSAN and would of course be paused if and as soon as and for as long as the PENGASSAN directive is implemented by its branches,” it added.

Calling on the federal government and security agencies to intervene, the company urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to disrupt refinery operations, warning that compliance with the directive would cause “irreparable hardship” for households and businesses nationwide.

“We are also calling on all Nigerians to take note of the unquantifiable and irredeemable hardship which PENGASSAN wishes to inflict on all of us. There is no Nigerian household that does not use or need the petroleum products which PENGASSAN has now directed its branches, by fiat, to withdraw from the Nigerian market – again, we list some of them: petrol, cooking gas, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. The production and supply of these products by Dangote Refinery would cease if the PENGASSAN cabal is allowed or permitted to enforce its lawless and criminal “directive”. The Association must not be allowed to ride roughshod on Nigerians. The repercussions from the PENGASSAN directive would affect and inflict harm on all Nigerians This is therefore a fight for all Nigerians,” noted the statement.

by Dan Poster — September 29, 2025 in Business 0

Isuikwuato agog as Hon. Nnaemeka Obi empowers Okada riders

It was a celebration of sorts on Friday, September 26, 2025, as one of Isuikwuato’s emerging stars, Hon. Nnaemeka GodsPrince Obi, excited motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada riders, operating in the whole local government area by ensuring they all got free fuel.

The free distribution was done at Sane Consult International Limited, a Petrol Station located in Ovim.

The Okada riders were not just elated by the free petrol but by the news that the gift would be given out every month.

The information which spread like wild fire went round the whole local government as the motorcycle riders turned out in their numbers, hailing OBI NNAEMEKA FOUNDATION, the organization that handled the petrol empowerment.

Eyewitness account said all the Okada riders had the OBI NNAEMEKA FOUNDATION stickers on their bikes as a sign of solidarity.

Chairman of Okada riders in Isuikwuato, who mentioned his name as Chibuzo, expressed his appreciation for this gesture and maintained that the Patron, Hon Nnaemeka Obi, is a worthy son.

“We are very happy for this gift and we will support him in any way we can, and anywhere he wants to go.”

However, a Foundation member told him that the gesture is selfless and not because he is contesting any elective post.

The Okada operators maintained a show of solidarity, saying they will come out in mass to back him up if he decides to seek any elective post now or in the near future.

OBI NNAEMEKA FOUNDATION, whose motto is”The Light has Come”, is a philanthropic organization designed to lift the less privileged as well as pursue the well-being of Isuikwuato citizens.

Hon. Nnaemeka Obi, the prime mover of the Foundation said that he is a proud son of Umuokogbuo Eluama in Isuikwuato local government.

He said he created the foundation to give back to society. While the activities kick-started with Okada riders, “it will extend to other persons”, he noted.

Picture: Okada riders filing to take their turns.

by DFC Management — September 27, 2025 in Politics 0

Gov. Otti to US Envoy: Abia Wants Partnerships, Not Handouts

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that his administration is more interested in forging partnerships with the United States than receiving aid or handouts, stressing that the state has much to offer in mutually beneficial cooperation.

A press statement signed by Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said Otti made the remark while receiving the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia.

The US envoy commended Otti’s leadership style, noting that his reforms in infrastructure, security, and governance had positioned Abia as a model for good governance in the Southeast.

“Your leadership in Abia has brought real, positive change. Your focus on infrastructure and addressing security challenges has transformed the state,” Ambassador Mills said. “The United States values its partnership with Abia and the Southeast. There are tremendous opportunities here for business and investment, especially with your government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment.”

In response, Governor Otti welcomed the endorsement, emphasizing that Abia was not looking for charity but genuine collaboration that would deliver value to both sides.

“In terms of partnership, we don’t believe in grants and aid. We seek real partnerships, knowing there is a lot of value we can create together,” Otti said. “This is the SME capital of Nigeria, and there are many areas—healthcare, education, waste management, technology, and enterprise development—where Abia can work closely with the US to achieve shared goals.”

The Governor described the Ambassador’s two-day visit as a vote of confidence in his administration and outlined ongoing reforms across key sectors to strengthen economic growth and improve the quality of life for Abians.

He was joined in the closed-door meeting with Ambassador Mills by senior members of his cabinet, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and commissioners in key sectors.

Picture: Governor Otti and Ambassador Mills.

by DFC Management — September 27, 2025 in Politics 0

2027: Why North-west support for Tinubu is expected – Olawale

A public affairs analyst, Olaniyi Olawale, has explained why it is expected for the North-West region of Nigeria to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said president Tinubu has done several landmark projects in the region as justification for the support, citing the almost completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano roads, the Kano-Maiduguri and other project executions.

Olawale, who doubled as the coordinator of the Progressive Foundation Movement (PFM), said Kano stakeholders, led by the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, the lawmaker representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, and other political heavyweights, rallied support for Tinubu because of his administration’s developmental interest on the region.

“The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is almost completed. Kano-Maiduguri sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 are almost completed. The Kano-Katsina project is almost completed.

“And in the next one to two months, Mr President will come to Kano to lay the foundation for the Light Rail project in Kano State.

“That project will cost more than one billion US dollars and, of course, is going to be one of the most important projects in Northern Nigeria,” he said.

by Dan Poster — September 27, 2025 in Politics 0

Ekiti community youths protest alleged plot to impose monarch

Youths in Araromi-Obo, a community in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Friday staged a protest against what they described as a plot to impose a new traditional ruler on the town.

The protesters accused certain people of attempting to manipulate the community’s traditional system through the controversial appointment of warrant chiefs, allegedly to pave the way for their preferred candidate.

Addressing journalists after the demonstration, the President of Araromi-Obo Youths, Mr Sunday Faseluka, stressed that the town already had established kingmakers who had faithfully served for more than two decades.

He listed them as Oisangan, Chief Oluwole Egunjobi; Ejigbo, Chief Joseph Alabi; and Ejisun, Chief Ajayi Sunday.

According to Faseluka, the attempt to replace these chiefs while they are still alive was unconstitutional, illegal, and provocative, warning that such actions could destabilize the peace of the community.

He alleged that those behind the move were acting out of selfish interest and seeking to undermine the integrity of the traditional process.

The group’s secretary, Mr Deji Alabi, also accused the masterminds of plotting to sideline the kingmakers in order to favour Prince Ebenezer Ojo, whom he claimed was being positioned to ascend the throne.

Alabi described the plan as unacceptable, insisting that the people of Araromi-Obo would resist any attempt to subvert their customs and traditions.

“We want to inform the government that Mr Ebenezer Ojo, whom some people are trying to impose on the community, can neither read nor write. In this current dispensation, we do not want an illiterate as a king,” he said.

“What we want is an educated person who can bring development to our town. The appointment of warrant chiefs is only a ploy to favour Mr Ojo, and we, the youths, reject the attempt outright.”

by Dan Poster — September 27, 2025 in General News 0

FAAN To Flag-Off Digital Payment Systems At Nigerian Airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would soon roll out” Operations Go Cashless “, a contactless payment solution at airports nationwide.

The pilot phase of the new arrangement, the Authority said, will be flagged off with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to a statement by the airport Authority, the new payment architecture is part of its broader strategy to automate and digitise its operations.

FAAN said the new system will be driven in partnership with Paystack, a financial technology platform

The statement reads:” Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges, will go cashless, which means we will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

Travellers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative responds to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

” By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

“To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

“In addition, passengers can obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja. After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately.”

by Dan Poster — September 27, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0

NPA Boss unveils reform agenda for competitive, investor-friendly Ports

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has said the authority is working to build a globally competitive port system that will enhance trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.

Dantsoho disclosed this while delivering a paper titled “Optimising Digitalisation and Trade Facilitation for Regional Growth” at a side event of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

He said the NPA was implementing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a hub for maritime commerce in West and Central Africa, leveraging technology and international best practices.

According to him, ongoing efforts include the deployment of port community systems, expansion of hinterland connectivity through rail and inland dry ports, and the entrenchment of a service culture that prioritises efficiency and competitiveness.

Dantsoho stressed that a robust and digitally driven port ecosystem was critical to unlocking the country’s economic diversification agenda and sustaining regional integration.

He added that the NPA remained committed to strengthening partnerships with global stakeholders to ensure Nigerian ports operate at par with leading maritime gateways around the world.

Picture: NPA MD, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho

by DFC Management — September 26, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0