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JAMB Proposes 3-Year Suspension Over 2025 UTME Biometric Violations

Olaosun Rebecca
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JAMB Proposes 3-Year Suspension Over 2025 UTME Biometric Violations

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suggested strict sanctions for 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and their staff found responsible for fingerprint discrepancies during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that these recommendations followed detailed consultations with stakeholders in a meeting that included the implicated centres held in Abuja.

Pending the approval of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the penalties include a proposed three-year ban for any official linked with enrolling more than 50 candidates whose biometric data showed irregularities.

Prof. Oloyede emphasized that these steps aim to preserve the credibility of the examination system and discourage misconduct in the future. For operators guilty of fewer breaches, the board proposed milder consequences such as formal caution, a compulsory written apology, and a signed commitment promising ethical compliance going forward.

At the stakeholder session, several CBT centre operators confessed their involvement, blaming either ignorance or the rush to process a large volume of registrations. Some reportedly wept openly as they begged for forgiveness. Also present at the meeting was former Lagos State Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, who admitted that the offence was grave enough for prosecution but pleaded for mercy on compassionate grounds.

Among the listed centres were Emerald IT Academy in Benin City, Jicoras CBT Centre in Jigawa, and Ijaw National Academy in Bayelsa, along with others located in Bauchi, Lagos, Abuja, Gombe, Oyo, Plateau, and Rivers States. Meanwhile, Jicoras Centre has launched its own internal inquiry and pledged to penalize any staff involved while vowing to enforce stricter ethical practices in future activities.

Fuel Supply Resumes as IPMAN Suspends Strike

Tosin Onisuuru
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Fuel Supply Resumes as IPMAN Suspends Strike

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has suspended its strike action following the Lagos State Government’s agreement to open discussions over the disputed ₦12,500 electronic call-up levy imposed on tankers operating along the Lekki–Epe corridor.

In a directive issued Tuesday to all zonal and depot chairmen, IPMAN confirmed that the decision to halt the strike came after the state government committed to meeting with key stakeholders, including the IPMAN National Executive Committee and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), for what it described as an “amicable resolution” of the issue.

The strike, which had threatened fuel supply disruptions, was sparked by concerns that the new levy was an unfair addition to the already rising cost of operations in the sector.

A statement signed by IPMAN’s National Secretary, James Terlumun Tor, said:

“The Lagos State Government has agreed to engage the National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners for amicable settlement of the proposed ₦12,500 levy.

Sequel to the above, you are directed to suspend the strike action and resume normal work to allow time for amiable resolution. We appreciate your cooperation and urge all IPMAN members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and favourable outcome.”

The association emphasized unity among members and reiterated that negotiations would continue until a mutually acceptable decision was reached. The letter was also copied to major unions, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG and IPMAN’s Board of Trustees.

The electronic call-up levy is part of Lagos State’s attempt to regulate truck movements in the increasingly busy Lekki–Epe corridor. However, marketers argue that such levies must be implemented in consultation with stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences, such as disruptions in fuel supply or increased pump prices.

Confirming the development, NARTO President Yusuf Othman told our correspondent that loading would resume immediately.

“Our members will start lifting fuel again. We have a meeting scheduled with the Lagos State Government on Thursday,” he said.

IPMAN Vice President Hammed Fashola also confirmed the suspension of the strike but said that the levy issue had not been resolved.

“A meeting with the Lagos State Government will be held soon,” Fashola said.

With loading operations back on track, attention now shifts to Thursday’s meeting, where stakeholders hope to iron out the details of a fairer and more sustainable arrangement.

NUPRC Tightens Crude Export Rules with Mandatory Permits

Tosin Onisuuru
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3
NUPRC Tightens Crude Export Rules with Mandatory Permits

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has rolled out new guidelines requiring all crude oil and petroleum product exporters to obtain export permits, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before any shipment can leave the country.

This directive is part of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Regulation 2024 and is designed to bolster transparency, accountability, and traceability in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector. The move comes amid mounting concerns about oil theft, under-declaration of exports, and the loss of national revenue at terminals.

According to the Commission, exporters must now use NUPRC’s online platforms to process all pre-shipment documentation, including identity verification, export volume confirmation, and the issuance of a UIN. The UIN will be embedded in all clearance notifications, allowing authorities to monitor and track every shipment in real time.

“All relevant export documents, such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest, must reference the UIN to ensure full traceability and compliance with regulatory protocols,” the Commission stated.

The new rules come at a time when Nigeria exported crude oil and other petroleum products worth ₦12.96 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, even as the country’s refineries remain hampered by poor feedstock supply. With billions in oil revenue at stake, the NUPRC is pushing to close longstanding loopholes in export operations.

The Commission noted that the guidelines were issued under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and form a “comprehensive framework” for managing all aspects of crude and petroleum product exports from Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Unit, the Commission emphasized that the Advance Cargo Declaration system is part of a broader solution to stem systemic malpractice and boost regulatory oversight. “The ACD solution aims to enhance transparency and accountability in crude oil export operations,” the statement read.

“It aims to achieve this by establishing a robust system for declaring and tracking crude oil movement, from production to export terminals, and ensuring that only certified products are exported.”

With this system, the NUPRC seeks to monitor every barrel from its point of origin to its final exit at an export terminal, leaving a clear, auditable trail. The agency believes that this framework will significantly reduce incidences of oil theft, under-reporting, and other irregularities that have plagued Nigeria’s oil exports for decades.

Industry stakeholders and exporters are expected to begin full compliance with the regulations immediately, as the Commission ramps up enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence.

This latest effort reinforces Nigeria’s resolve to take back control of its most valuable resource—and protect its revenue in a global oil market where accountability is becoming non-negotiable.

Altman Says Meta Making $100m+ Offers to OpenAI Team

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Altman Says Meta Making $100m+ Offers to OpenAI Team

Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, has revealed that some of his staff members have received “giant offers” from Meta, including “signing bonuses” worth $100 million (£74.3 million).

Meta, which operates platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has been pushing hard to expand its artificial intelligence ventures, recently investing $14 billion (£10.4 billion) to acquire nearly half of the startup Scale AI.

Despite these enticing proposals, Mr Altman said “at least so far” none of his “best people” had taken the offers and left.

During a conversation on his brother Jack’s podcast, Sam Altman acknowledged Meta’s aggressive moves in the AI space, as they try to compete with OpenAI—the creator of the popular ChatGPT.

He mentioned that beyond the “signing bonuses,” additional yearly “compensation” was being offered, although he didn’t clarify if this was strictly salary or included shares and other perks.

Still, Mr Altman believes his staff remains loyal because of OpenAI’s “mission” to build superintelligence and the “economic awards and everything else flowing from that.”

Several AI companies, including OpenAI, predict that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—machines performing as well as or better than humans—could arrive soon.

Superintelligence would go even further, surpassing human cognitive abilities by a large margin.

Tech giants are pouring vast sums of money into this race.

Earlier this year, OpenAI confirmed a partnership with other investors to commit $500 billion for the creation of new AI data centers in the US.

Mr Altman expressed confidence that OpenAI has “a much better shot at actually delivering on superintelligence, and also may eventually be the more valuable company.”

He also praised the unique work atmosphere at OpenAI, suggesting that this plays a big role in attracting and keeping skilled engineers who value innovation.

“There’s many things I respect about Meta as a company, but I don’t think they’re a company that’s, like, great at innovation,” he told his brother.

Although he described Meta’s ambition for superintelligence as “rational,” he likened it to Google’s unsuccessful attempt to rival Facebook in social media.

Sam Altman’s statements add to the ongoing trend of top tech leaders commenting openly on their competitors, often through podcast appearances.

For example, during a podcast in January, Mark Zuckerberg described Apple’s iPhone as “obviously one of the most important inventions probably of all time.”

But he also remarked that Apple lately “been so off their game in terms of not really releasing many innovative things.”

Such remarks, however, seem mild compared to his rocky exchanges with Elon Musk, where both have hinted at settling disputes in a physical fight.

Musk is also currently locked in a lawsuit against Sam Altman regarding OpenAI’s origins.

Modi Denies US Role in India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Modi Denies US Role in India-Pakistan Ceasefire

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed U.S. President Donald Trump that the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan came about strictly through direct talks between both nations’ militaries, not because of any American involvement, according to India’s top diplomat.

Trump had previously stated that the two nuclear rivals paused hostilities after U.S.-brokered discussions, claiming he encouraged them to pursue trade interests instead of conflict.

This phone conversation between Modi and Trump — which happened alongside the G7 summit in Canada where Modi was a guest — was the first time they spoke directly since the military flare-up from May 7 to 10. India has consistently rejected the idea of any outside mediation.

“PM Modi told President Trump clearly that during this period, there was no talk at any stage on subjects like India-U.S. trade deal or U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan,” Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a press statement.

“Talks for ceasing military action happened directly between India and Pakistan through existing military channels, and on the insistence of Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India has not accepted mediation in the past and will never do,” he said.

According to Misri, a meeting between both leaders was expected during the summit, but Trump departed early because of developments in the Middle East.

No response was given from the U.S. government regarding this call.

Pakistan, on its part, has maintained that the ceasefire only came after its army responded to a communication from India’s military on May 7.

The recent clash — said to be the most intense in decades — was triggered by an April 22 assault in Indian Kashmir which left 26 people dead, most of whom were tourists. India blamed “terrorists” allegedly backed by Pakistan, an accusation that Islamabad rejected.

In retaliation on May 7, India launched airstrikes targeting what it labeled “terrorist infrastructure” across the border. This led to a fierce four-day exchange of attacks involving jets, drones, missiles, and heavy artillery.

Misri further stated that Trump voiced his backing for India’s counter-terrorism operations. Modi reportedly reminded Trump that Operation Sindoor, under which the cross-border action took place, remains active.

Trump also proposed making a stop in the U.S. as Modi returned from Canada. However, Modi declined due to prior commitments but extended an invitation for Trump to visit India later this year during the Quad summit, which Trump accepted, according to Misri.

President Tinubu Visits Benue, Holds Town Hall Meeting

Enyosa Favour
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President Tinubu Visits Benue, Holds Town Hall Meeting

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday, landing at the Nigerian Air Force Base around 12:58 p.m., ahead of his visit to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area—the site of the recent massacre that left over 100 people dead. In response to the high-profile visit, the Benue State Government declared a public holiday.

Upon arrival, the President visited victims receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he also met with some displaced persons affected by the violence. He then travelled to Yelewata to assess the damage and offer condolences to grieving families, following what Amnesty International described as one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years.

From the hospital, Tinubu proceeded to the new Banquet Hall at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where he chaired a stakeholder meeting aimed at addressing the recurring communal violence across rural communities in the state.

Present at the town hall were key figures including Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, other North-Central governors, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and former Governor Samuel Ortom.

Also in attendance were traditional rulers, federal lawmakers, and local leaders. The engagement formed part of a broader national effort to craft sustainable solutions to the security crisis that has already claimed more than 500 lives in Benue State this year alone.

Seed Sinner Advances To Last 16 At Halle Open

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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Seed Sinner Advances To Last 16 At Halle Open

World number one Jannik Sinner began his Halle Open campaign with a straight sets victory over Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, winning 7-5, 6-3 to reach the round of 16. The tournament marks Sinner’s return to competition following his epic five-and-a-half-hour loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.

Sinner, who is aiming to defend the only grasscourt title of his career, overcame the challenge of world No. 138 Hanfmann, acknowledging the difficulty of the matchup.

I’m really pleased with the win. Hanfmann is a strong server and solid from the baseline, which makes breaking him on grass particularly tough, Sinner said. Mentally, I handled the tight moments well. The first set could’ve gone to a tiebreak, and then anything can happen.

The Italian top seed noted the unique demands of grasscourt play. First matches on grass are always tricky and so are the second and third ones. I think I have a day off tomorrow, which is great because the body feels very different on this surface.

Next, Sinner will take on Alexander Bublik, the 2023 Halle champion, who also faced him in this year’s French Open quarter-finals. Calling Bublik an unpredictable opponent, Sinner said he expects the unexpected.

He’s a tremendous player and an incredible talent. Grass is his best surface. He’s beaten me here before and won the title here, so he clearly enjoys playing in Halle,Sinner added. I’ll try to stay calm and focused and see how far I can go. He’s a versatile player who can do anything, so hopefully it will be a good match.

In other matches, Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev progressed with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Ofner. However, several seeded players were eliminated, sixth seed Ugo Humbert fell to Denis Shapovalov in a tight 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4) match, while fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo lost to American Alex Michelsen 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Felix Auger-Aliassime also advanced, outlasting Laslo Djere in a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-1 battle.

CAC Adjusts Service Fees Effective August 2025

Ohiomoje Margaret
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3
CAC Adjusts Service Fees Effective August 2025

The Corporate Affairs body has introduced a newly adjusted fee structure set to commence on August 1, 2025.

This change was made after evaluating the nation’s economic climate, rising operational demands, and feedback from vital contributors to the business ecosystem.

In an official notice released on Tuesday, the commission emphasized that the adjustment aims to improve service efficiency through technology-focused solutions suited to modern business needs.

“The commission wishes to inform the general public, esteemed customers, and all stakeholders that, in the continued efforts to improve its service quality and delivery, it has become necessary to review certain service fees effective the 1st day of August, 2025.

“This decision follows the careful consideration of prevailing economic realities, rising operational costs as well as engagement of critical stakeholders ahead of implementation,” the CAC said.

According to the statement, “The review is modest, competitive and aligns with our commitment to enhance service delivery through digitalised operations and maintain the integrity of the Nigerian Corporate Registry.”

The commission also stressed its ongoing promise to ensure top-quality service through sustainable, improved methods.

“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction as we strive to build a more resilient and responsive corporate regulatory environment,” the commission said.

All revised service charges are now available on the official website: www.cac.gov.ng or directly via this link or https://www.cac.gov.ng/resources/.

These adjustments will affect various groups such as business proprietors, lawyers, compliance specialists, and other individuals involved in post-registration procedures and regulatory dealings.

The new charges cover transactions for corporations, partnerships, registered business names, and non-profit entities.

Dozens Of Migrants Dead After Boat Capsizes Near Libya

Tosin Onisuuru
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1
Dozens Of Migrants Dead After Boat Capsizes Near Libya

Around 60 asylum seekers, including women and children, are missing after two separate boats sank off the coast of Libya earlier this week, according to reports from humanitarian workers.

One of the boats, which was carrying about 86 people, overturned near the coastal city of Zuwara in rough sea conditions. While 25 individuals were rescued and taken to a Libyan detention facility, the majority remain unaccounted for. The passengers on board were mostly from Nigeria, the Gambia, and other African countries.

Emergency responders provided medical assistance to the survivors, all of whom are said to be in stable condition.

This tragic incident adds to a growing death toll on the central Mediterranean migration route. Over 2,250 people have already lost their lives attempting the crossing this year alone, making it one of the most dangerous migration paths in the world.

Libya, along with Tunisia, has long served as a launching point for people seeking to reach Europe by sea. Migrants often risk the journey in overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels, hoping for safety and opportunity across the Mediterranean.

In a related tragedy just days earlier, a fishing boat named Adriana sank off the coast of Greece while en route from Libya to Italy. It was carrying around 750 people. Only 104 survived and 82 bodies have been recovered so far.

Russian Bomber Crash In Mali

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Russian Bomber Crash In Mali

A Russian-made SU-24 bomber plunged into Mali’s Niger River on June 13, shortly after taking part in a military operation known as Operation Dougoukoloko. Both pilots survived the crash, according to official statements.

The aircraft belonged to the Africa Corps, a newly established military unit under the Russian Defense Ministry. This group has taken over many of the functions once handled by the Wagner Group, bringing them under more direct state control.

Shortly after the incident, the Azawad Liberation Front claimed responsibility, saying its fighters had hit the plane with ground-to-air fire. They reported that the strike forced the bomber to retreat before it ultimately went down in the river.

The crash highlights growing instability in northern Mali, where armed groups continue to challenge the military-backed government and its international partners, including Russian forces.

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