Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s interim president on Friday, October 17, 2025, marking a dramatic shift to military-led rule following weeks of youth-led protests and the ousting of civilian leader Andry Rajoelina.
The 52-year-old commander of the elite CAPSAT special forces unit took the oath in the High Constitutional Court at 10 a.m. local time, flanked by military officers, politicians, representatives of the Gen Z youth-led protest movement, and several foreign delegations, including from the United States, the European Union, Russia, and France, as witnessed by AFP journalists.
He pledged to “refound the Republic of Madagascar” and restore stability to the nation of 30 million, where the average age is under 20 and widespread poverty fuels unrest.
“Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” Randrianirina said during the ceremony.
The ceremony capped a chaotic week that began with Rajoelina’s flight from the country on Sunday, October 12, aboard a French military plane amid threats to his life, as confirmed by security sources and opposition leaders.
The former DJ-turned-president, who seized power in a 2009 military-backed coup, was impeached by parliament on Tuesday, October 14, on charges including desertion of duty and corruption.
His 15-year tenure had been plagued by accusations of elite entrenchment, with allies suggesting he is now in exile in Paris, though his exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
Randrianirina’s rapid ascent stemmed from late September protests organized under the “Gen Z Madagascar” banner, which erupted over chronic power outages lasting up to eight hours daily, water shortages, and economic stagnation affecting half the population in extreme poverty.
Drawing inspiration from global youth movements in Kenya and Indonesia, the demonstrations swelled into calls for systemic change, drawing tens of thousands to Antananarivo’s Place du 13 Mai.
On October 11, Randrianirina—previously imprisoned in 2023 for alleged mutiny plotting—publicly defected, urging troops not to fire on demonstrators and aligning CAPSAT with the uprising.
By Tuesday, his forces had stormed the presidential palace, dissolving key institutions like the Senate and electoral commission while sparing the National Assembly.
The High Constitutional Court endorsed the takeover, appointing Randrianirina for an 18-to-24-month transition to enact reforms and hold elections, with a council blending military and civilian voices. He vowed dialogue with protesters, promising to address utilities and insecurity, and denied staging a coup, citing parliamentary and judicial backing.
“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution… and to agree on new electoral laws for the organisation of elections and referendums,” he said, thanking the youth for spearheading the protests that ousted Rajoelina.
“We are committed to breaking with the past,” Randrianirina added. “Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic and political systems of governance.”
Celebrations erupted in the capital, with youth chanting for change as military patrols maintained order, though at least 22 deaths were reported in earlier clashes.Internationally, the move has sparked condemnation.
The African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership on Wednesday, October 15, demanding a return to constitutional rule. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the “unconstitutional change,” while France urged civilian involvement amid youth mobilization.
The U.S. and regional powers like South Africa offered muted responses, but the coup echoes a regional trend of juntas in Mali and Niger since 2020. Madagascar, famed for its lemurs and resources like vanilla and nickel, has endured instability since 1960 independence, including coups in 1972 and 2009.
As Randrianirina—a charismatic, devout Christian—takes the helm, the focus turns to whether his regime can bridge generational divides and deliver promised elections, or risk further turmoil in this biodiversity hotspot plagued by underdevelopment.
Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar President
FG Affirms JAMB Still Required For Admissions
The Federal Ministry of Education has refuted reports in certain newspapers and online platforms claiming that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is no longer a requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, dismissed the publication as false, unfounded, and misleading, clarifying that it did not originate from the Ministry.
The statement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, quoted the Minister as saying, “At no point did the Ministry issue or authorise any statement suggesting that JAMB is no longer mandatory for admission into tertiary institutions.”
He reaffirmed that JAMB remains the only legally recognised and statutory body authorised to conduct entrance examinations and oversee admissions into all tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
According to him, the existing admission process managed by JAMB remains “fully operational,” stressing that any contrary claims should be completely ignored.
The Minister restated the Ministry’s unwavering partnership with JAMB and other relevant agencies to uphold transparency, fairness, and integrity in the nation’s tertiary education admission system. He further emphasised that all admissions must continue to be based on merit and due process.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting the credibility of the admission process and ensuring that the principles of merit and fairness are upheld,” he added.
The statement also urged media organisations, bloggers, and online platforms to verify information through official sources before publishing, in order to prevent misinformation and avoid creating unnecessary confusion within the education sector.
The Ministry further advised prospective students, parents, and tertiary institutions to depend solely on the official communication channels of the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for verified updates on admission matters and education policies.
“There has been no change in the role of JAMB, which remains central and indispensable in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework,” the statement concluded.
Members of the public were also encouraged to visit the official websites and social media pages of both the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for authentic information.
World Food Day & Poverty Eradication Roundtable: Local Solutions To Global Challenges
In commemoration of World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the InnerCity Mission for Children will host a high-level roundtable discussion themed “Developing Local Humanitarian Solutions to Global Challenges” on Friday, 17th October 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event aims to galvanize local participation from individuals, corporate entities, and civil society organizations dedicated to eradicating hunger and poverty among society’s most vulnerable.
During the event, the humanitarian agency will showcase its Food Bank in Ikeja, the first of six established in Nigeria, the UK, and the United States. Attendees will also tour its 100% free InnerCity Mission School in Ikeja, where hundreds of children benefit from quality education, free books, bags, shoes, daily nutritious school meals, and medical care each session.
This school is the first among 14 fully operational 100% free schools, with an additional five currently under construction, totaling 19 schools spanning countries such as Malawi, Fiji, Liberia, Uganda, the Central African Republic, and India.
The roundtable will feature federal lawmakers, civil society leaders, institutional partners, and representatives of intergovernmental agencies such as the United Nations.
According to the NGO’s Publicity Secretary, Ms. Ijeoma,
“Hunger and poverty are existential threats to the stability and future of any society. While governments continue refining economic policies, well-meaning individuals and organizations must rise to contribute to improving lives around them. That is how we build sustainable change.”
Founded in 2005 by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc, DSc, DD, the InnerCity Mission for Children has evolved from a single home for homeless children into a global humanitarian network, with footprints in over 109 countries. It runs 19 free schools, six physical food banks, and over 1,000 community pantries and kitchens worldwide.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the InnerCity Mission launched an emergency food relief initiative, distributing over 88 million meals globally in partnership with local governments and community networks.
In response to rising inflation and food prices, the organization scaled up its outreach with the 1 Billion Meals Campaign (2023), 5 Billion Meals Campaign (2024), and the ongoing 7 Billion Meals Campaign (2025), a bold effort to end global hunger, which has recorded over 5 Billion Meals distributed globally so far, this year.
Beyond food aid, the Mission’s Women Economic Empowerment Initiative (WEEI) has uplifted over 100,000 women across Africa, helping families transition from dependence to sustainable livelihood.
This roundtable underscores the InnerCity Mission’s enduring vision, “to create a world where every child survives, lives above poverty, and becomes an active contributor to societal development. To participate in this event virtually, visit icm.ngo/livestream
NANS Gives FG, ASUU Seven-day Ultimatum To End Strike
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to settle their ongoing dispute within seven days to avoid another prolonged shutdown of universities across the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its President, Olushola Oladoja, NANS voiced concern that the renewed industrial tension between the government and university lecturers could once again interrupt the academic calendar, warning that students would not tolerate another strike.
Oladoja noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the education sector had experienced two uninterrupted academic sessions — a rare achievement since 1999. However, he cautioned that the impending strike could reverse this progress.
“It is, therefore, in this spirit that NANS appeals to both ASUU and the Federal Government’s negotiation team to find a workable and lasting solution within the next seven days,” he said. “Nigerian students, many of whom are now studying through educational loans, cannot afford to have their academic calendar disrupted or their duration on campus extended again.”
He commended President Tinubu’s administration for reforms aimed at strengthening the education sector, including the creation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the removal of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and targeted interventions through TETFund. Nevertheless, he expressed concern that delays in implementing agreements with ASUU and lapses in communication had reignited tensions.
“It is regrettable that despite the huge progress recorded, this strike — a result of miscommunication and poor crisis management in implementing resolutions earlier reached with ASUU — is creating avoidable tension that now threatens the peace and progress of the education sector,” he stated.
Oladoja revealed that NANS’ findings showed a recent meeting convened by the Federal Government to address ASUU’s grievances was not attended by the union due to procedural issues. He added that the student body had received assurances from both sides of their willingness to resume talks once the meeting was properly reconvened.
“We call on the government to immediately reconvene the meeting to close this communication gap,” he said.
The NANS president also appealed for President Tinubu’s direct involvement, warning that continued inaction could undermine the stability achieved in the education sector. “Now is the time for dialogue, understanding, and decisive action — the future of millions of Nigerian students depends on it,” he added.
ASUU had on Monday begun a warning strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the government. The union’s demands include the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries and promotion arrears, revitalisation of public universities, and sustainable funding for tertiary institutions.
The ongoing strike has disrupted examinations in several universities nationwide, increasing anxiety among students and parents as both parties remain at an impasse.
Long, But Possible Road To World Cup 2026: How Nigeria Can Qualify
The Super Eagles’ dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains alive — but the road is long, winding, and unforgiving. After a dramatic 4-0 win over Benin in Uyo, Nigeria clinched second place in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, earning a ticket to November’s African playoffs in Morocco.
Group C: How Nigeria Finished
Nigeria’s qualifying campaign was turbulent but ultimately successful. They ended with 17 points from 10 matches, scoring 15 and conceding 8. That tally placed them second behind South Africa (18 points)and just ahead of Benin (17 points, but inferior goal difference).
Final Group C Standings:
- South Africa – 18 pts (Qualified directly)
- Nigeria – 17 pts (CAF playoff spot)
- Benin – 17 pts
- Lesotho – 12 pts
- Rwanda – 11 pts
- Zimbabwe – 5 pts
Nigeria’s Results in the Qualifiers
Under José Peseiro
- Nigeria 1–1 Lesotho
- Zimbabwe 1–1 Nigeria
2 games, 2 points
Under Finidi George
- Nigeria 1–1 South Africa
- Benin 2–1 Nigeria
2 games, 1 point
Under Eric Chelle
- Rwanda 0–2 Nigeria
- Nigeria 1–1 Zimbabwe
- Nigeria 1–0 Rwanda
- South Africa 1–1 Nigeria
- Lesotho 1–2 Nigeria
- Nigeria 4–0 Benin
6 games, 14 points
Eric Chelle’s revival — capped by the emphatic 4–0 win over Benin — sealed Nigeria’s place in the CAF playoffs.
The CAF Playoff Path
CAF’s system grants only group winners direct qualification. Nigeria, as one of the best four runners-up, will contest the playoff tournament in Morocco:
- Semi-finals (Nov 13, 2025)
- Nigeria vs Gabon
- Cameroon vs DR Congo
- Final (Nov 16, 2025)
- Winners meet for a ticket to the inter-confederation playoff.
How CAF Decides the Best Runners-Up
CAF issued a clarification in March 2025 on how the “best four runners-up” are ranked:
- Exclude results vs last-placed teams: Results against the bottom-ranked side in each group do not count when comparing runners-up.
- Points first, then goal difference: After exclusions, teams are ranked on points. If tied, goal difference, goals scored, and FIFA tiebreakers apply.
- Consistency across groups: If a group has fewer teams, results against the bottom-placed sides are removed for fairness.
For Nigeria, this meant matches against Zimbabwe (the group’s last team) did not count in the runners-up calculation. Even with that adjustment, their 15 “official” points were enough to secure one of the four playoff spots.
The Final Hurdle: Inter-Confederation Playoff
Winning in Morocco won’t be enough on its own. The CAF playoff champion will then join the inter-confederation playoff, facing teams from South America, Asia, North/Central America, and Oceania. Only two spots are available for six confederations, making this the ultimate test.
Nigeria’s Chances
- Momentum: 14 of their 17 points came under Eric Chelle.
- Firepower: With Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and others firing, Nigeria has the quality to beat anyone on their day.
- Challenges: Gabon have proved tricky opponents in recent years, Cameroon and DR Congo are heavyweight rivals, and the inter-confed playoff could pit Nigeria against South American or Asian giants.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup is now set:
- Beat Gabon in the CAF semi-final.
- Win the CAF final (vs Cameroon or DR Congo).
- Survive the inter-confederation playoff against global opposition.
It is a long road, but not an impossible one. The 4–0 demolition of Benin reminded Africa of Nigeria’s potential. Now the Super Eagles must carry that fire into Morocco. Just three wins separate Nigeria from a ticket to the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers Fallout: Burkina Faso President Seeks Clarification Over Nigeria’s Playoff Spot
Burkina Faso President, Ibrahim Traoré, has reportedly demanded a detailed explanation from football authorities on how Nigeria secured qualification to the CAF 2026 World Cup playoffs ahead of the Stallions.
According to sources within the Burkinabe presidency, President Traoré expressed deep disappointment and confusion over the outcome, especially given Burkina Faso’s impressive finish to the qualification campaign.
The Stallions were compelled to play their initial qualifying matches away from home due to ongoing renovations at the Stade du 4 Août, which was being upgraded to meet CAF standards.
Upon returning to their refurbished home ground, Burkina Faso produced crucial wins and believed their efforts were sufficient to progress only to learn that Nigeria had advanced instead.
World Cup Playoff Qualification: Super Eagles November Friendlies May Be Cancelled
Following Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, the scheduled international friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia in November could be called off.
The Super Eagles secured their playoff berth after a dominant 4–0 victory over Benin, finishing second in their qualifying group.
The new playoff draw sees Nigeria set to battle Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo for a place in the World Cup to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
With the playoffs expected to take place around the same period, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may now shelve the friendly encounters to allow the team adequate time for preparation and avoid fixture congestion.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have unanimously decided to cancel the proposed international friendly with Venezuela and Colombia, scheduled for the USA in November.
A decent source at the Sunday Dankaro House revealed that the country’s soccer-governing body, during one of its closed-door meetings, called off the two friendlies after the Super Eagles qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Morocco next month.
The decision, according to the NFF, is to allow the players to focus on the plays, taking into account that the two friendlies clashed with the playoff date.
Additionally, a clause in the contract for these friendlies stipulates that the matches will be cancelled should the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup Playoffs.
”The friendlies have been called off because the date clashed with World Cup playoffs slated for Morocco in November,;; begins a top NFF official who pleaded anonymity
”Besides, the clause in the friendlies allows cancellation should Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he told the Guardian.
Nigeria is set to face Venezuela on November 14 and Colombia on November 18. The Super Eagles will play Gabon in the World Cup Playoffs semifinal on November 13 in Morocco, with the final scheduled for November 16.
Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to focus on building his squad and strategy for the crucial playoff fixtures, which will determine whether the Super Eagles return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
2026 World Cup Qualifier: Eric Chelle Focus On Playoffs, Satisfied With Players’ Performance
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed delight with his team’s impressive display following their emphatic 4-0 win over the Cheetahs of Benin in the final group game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle, who recently took charge of the team, praised the players for quickly adapting to his methods and showing strong character throughout the encounter.
“I’m so proud of my players; they deserved this win,” Chelle said.
“It wasn’t easy with a new coach and a new philosophy, but they adjusted very fast. Now, we move on to Morocco. This is not the end it’s the beginning. The playoffs will be very difficult, but tonight I’m just happy for my players; they played a great game.”
The Nigerian gaffer also appreciated the fans for their unwavering support and reserved special praise for his star striker.
“Thank God, and I’m happy for the fans because they pushed us to this victory. The players gave their all, especially the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen,” he added.
“All the players contributed they are my champions. I’m very happy for them, for this team, and for what we’ve achieved together.”
2030 Commonwealth Games: Abuja Loses Out Again
Nigeria’s dream of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games has once again been dashed, as Abuja lost the bid to Ahmedabad, India.
The evaluation commission of Commonwealth Sport selected Ahmedabad, located in western India, as the preferred host city ahead of Nigeria’s capital.
The decision is expected to be ratified during the organization’s General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.
Ahmedabad boasts the world’s largest stadium the Narendra Modi Stadium with a capacity of 132,000, which hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup final.
The city, home to over five million residents, has also been tipped as a potential contender for a future Olympic Games.
In a statement, Commonwealth Sport explained that candidate cities were assessed “against a wide range of criteria” and added that they “have agreed to develop a strategy for supporting Nigeria’s hosting ambitions for future Games, including consideration for 2034.”
India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi.
This marks the second time Abuja has been overlooked, having also lost its bid for the 2014 edition to Glasgow.
Why Mathematics Will No Longer Be Required For Arts University Admission
For thousands of Nigerian students, the dream of studying arts or humanities just got easier. On October 15, 2025, the Federal Government announced that a credit in Mathematics is no longer required for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates seeking admission into arts and humanities programs in universities.
This landmark decision, led by the Ministry of Education, aims to remove barriers for students passionate about fields like Literature and History. With this change, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries tailoring admission requirements to course demands.
Why the Change?
Until now, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) required all university applicants to have credits in Mathematics and English, regardless of their chosen course.
This rule, in place for decades, often blocked talented students who struggled with Maths from pursuing humanities degrees. Advocates, including student groups and educators, argued that Maths proficiency is less critical for fields like Fine Arts or Religious Studies.
The Ministry of Education, responding to this call, says the policy aligns admission requirements with course relevance, making higher education more inclusive.
The decision also reflects feedback from secondary schools reporting high failure rates in Maths among arts-focused students.
What’s New?
Effective immediately, students applying for programs like English Literature, Fine Arts, History, Music, or Theatre Arts don’t need a Maths credit in their SSCE results (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent).
A credit in English remains mandatory to ensure language proficiency, and other subject requirements, such as Literature for English majors, still apply. The Ministry of Education stated, “This reform ensures students are judged on skills relevant to their chosen paths.”
JAMB is updating its guidelines for the 2026/2027 academic session, and universities have been directed to adjust their admission criteria accordingly. The policy applies to both public and private institutions, ensuring a unified standard.
Benefits Of the New Policy
The policy could transform lives for students who excel creatively but struggle with numbers. JAMB data shows that over 15% of candidates miss admission yearly due to poor Maths grades, despite strong performances in other subjects.
“I can finally pursue Theatre Arts without Maths holding me back,” says Kemi, an 18-year-old from Abuja. Universities like the University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University expect a surge in humanities applications, boosting fields critical to Nigeria’s cultural and social growth.
The policy could also reduce pressure on students, allowing them to focus on subjects aligned with their strengths. Globally, countries like the UK have similar flexible requirements, and Nigeria’s move could inspire more graduates in arts and social sciences, fields often overshadowed by STEM.
Challenges and Considerations
While the policy opens doors, it raises questions about implementation. Universities may need to revise curricula to ensure humanities students still develop analytical skills, perhaps through alternative courses like logic or statistics. Funding is another concern—humanities departments, often under-resourced, may struggle to accommodate more students.
Additionally, some employers value basic Maths skills, prompting debates about whether graduates might face job market challenges. The Ministry has promised to work with universities to address these gaps, including teacher training and curriculum updates.
Reactions
The announcement has sparked lively debate, especially on platforms like X. Students celebrated, with one user posting, “No more Maths stress! FG finally gets it.”
The Nigeria Union of Teachers supports the move but urges increased funding for humanities departments to handle higher enrollment.
Parents, too, are optimistic, with a Lagos-based mother, Mrs. Adebayo, saying, “My daughter can now chase her dream of studying Music without worrying about Maths.” However, some educators worry about academic standards.
“Basic Maths skills are vital for critical thinking,” argues Dr. Ngozi Eze, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria.
On X, critics warn that the policy might “dumb down” education, though supporters counter that it prioritizes fairness and relevance.
What’s Next?
This change marks a bold step toward a more flexible education system in Nigeria. As JAMB and universities adapt, the focus is on ensuring quality while opening doors for diverse talents.
The Ministry plans to monitor the policy’s impact through enrollment data and graduate outcomes.
Will this reform inspire a new wave of creatives, or does it risk diluting academic standards?
For now, arts students can chase their dreams without the shadow of equations, and Nigeria’s universities may soon see a renaissance in the humanities.
