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Low Performance Marks 2025 NABTEB FTC Entrance Exam

Olaosun Rebecca
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Low Performance Marks 2025 NABTEB FTC Entrance Exam

Only 39% Pass NABTEB Entrance Exam into Federal Technical Colleges. The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has released the results of the 2025 entrance examination into Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs), with statistics showing a concerning performance by candidates across the country. According to the board, only 39 per cent of candidates scored 50 per cent and above, raising concerns about the state of foundational technical education in Nigeria.

The results were announced in Benin City on Wednesday by NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Mohammed, during the formal commencement of a three-day selection and placement exercise. This annual exercise determines which successful candidates will be admitted into FTCs nationwide.

Out of a total of 24,074 candidates who participated in the entrance exam, only 9,389 managed to attain a pass mark of 50 per cent and above. Even more concerning is the fact that just 316 candidates, about 1.31 per cent scored 70 per cent and above, reflecting a wide performance gap and limited high achievers among the candidate pool.

“Furthermore, 316 candidates accounting for 1.31 per cent attained scores of 70 per cent and above, while 14,685 candidates constituting 61 per cent scored below 50 per cent. Additionally, the results indicated that eight candidates representing 0.03 per cent achieved the highest rank,” Dr. Mohammed said.

The low overall performance has sparked conversations about the quality of foundational education feeding into the technical and vocational education sector, which has become a renewed focus under the current administration.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Dr. Mohammed urged those involved in the placement process to adopt a merit-based, transparent, and fair selection model, emphasizing that technical colleges must admit candidates most likely to benefit from their highly specialised vocational curriculum.

“I look forward to a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process that attracts the most talented and motivated students. By getting this process right, I am confident that we can set our students up for success and enhance the reputation of our institution,” he said.

He also praised the Federal Government’s recent interventions aimed at strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, which is key to developing job-ready skills and improving youth employment outcomes in Nigeria.

In a message delivered by Dr. Muibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving access to quality technical education.

He disclosed that two additional Federal Technical Colleges have been established in Enugu and Plateau States, as part of ongoing efforts to expand access and ensure national spread. Plans are also underway to establish three more FTCs, with the goal of ensuring that every state in the federation and the FCT has at least one federal technical college.

“Despite the daunting challenges, we are focused on implementing policies that will uplift the lives of our children, the performance of our colleges, and the future of this nation,” Alausa said.

The announcement has sparked renewed conversations about the need for deeper investment in basic education, teacher training, and early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy, especially as TVET gains more prominence in national policy and job creation agendas.

Education stakeholders, including principals of Federal Technical Colleges, ministry officials, NABTEB staff, and education experts, were in attendance at the result presentation and placement exercise, which will continue over the next two days. The outcome of this process will determine the new intake for the 2025/2026 academic session in technical colleges across Nigeriia.

Musa Denies Gifting Cars To Pillars Players And Officials

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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Musa Denies Gifting Cars To Pillars Players And Officials

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has categorically denied circulating social media claims alleging that he distributed luxury vehicles to players and officials of Kano Pillars Football Club following his recent appointment as the club’s General Manager.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Musa described the reports as entirely false and misleading. The rumour, which gained traction earlier in the day, alleged that Musa had gifted brand-new Toyota Land Cruisers to all team members and coaching staff to mark his return to the club in an executive role.

Reacting to the development, Musa dismissed the claims as baseless fabrications and urged the public and media to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it online.

“It has come to my attention that false information is being circulated claiming that I distributed cars to players and officials following my appointment as General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club,” he wrote.

“This claim is entirely untrue.

I urge the public, media outlets, and individuals on social media to verify information from credible sources before sharing. Spreading unverified news not only misleads the public but also undermines the integrity of the club and its leadership.”

Musa concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to rebuilding Kano Pillars into a competitive force.

“Our focus remains on building a strong, disciplined, and successful team. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

A fact-check conducted by our correspondent revealed that the images of Land Cruiser SUVs being circulated were taken from an unrelated event. The photos were originally published in March 2024, showing vehicles donated by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris to members of the State House of Assembly—completely unconnected to Musa or Kano Pillars.

Despite the misinformation, Musa remained unbothered and was seen participating in a training session with Pillars players on Tuesday. His dual role as both an active player and administrator marks a new chapter for the four-time Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions.

Musa was officially unveiled as the General Manager of Kano Pillars on Saturday, July 5, by the Kano State Government. In his first official meeting with the club’s board on Monday, he pledged to restore the club’s glory and reaffirm its status in Nigerian and African football.

“Kano Pillars is our club and one of the most successful in Nigeria, but in recent years, the story has changed,” Musa told the board.

“I want to assure everyone that, with your support and the backing of the board members, I will do everything possible to reposition the club and make it one of the finest—not just in Africa, but globally.

Having played for Pillars and gained experience from top European leagues, I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the club’s revival.”

He also emphasized the importance of unity, strategic planning, and dedication among all stakeholders to usher in a successful new era for the club under his leadership.

Panic In Anambra As Gunmen Attack Ekwulobia, Kill Two And Set Vehicles Ablaze

Enyosa Favour
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Panic In Anambra As Gunmen Attack Ekwulobia, Kill Two And Set Vehicles Ablaze

A fresh wave of violence rocked Anambra State on Wednesday morning as unknown gunmen stormed the bustling community of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, unleashing terror that left residents fleeing for safety and at least two civilians confirmed dead.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, as the attackers clad in mafia-style outfits arrived in multiple Sienna vehicles and began firing indiscriminately into the air and at targets across the town. Several residents were reportedly injured in the attack, and multiple vehicles were set ablaze.

“They came out of nowhere, started shooting, and people ran in every direction. Some fell, some didn’t get up,” one visibly shaken resident said under anonymity. “This is not the first time, but it’s one of the most terrifying.”
The ambush sent shockwaves across the community, with schools, businesses, and markets shutting down abruptly. Families abandoned their homes in a desperate bid to escape, while security operatives were initially nowhere to be seen.

The police have since confirmed the incident. In a statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command, spokesman DSP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed that two civilians lost their lives in the attack, while one of the gunmen was neutralised in a gun battle with responding officers. Four vehicles used by the assailants were also recovered.

“Our Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, is a field man. He will not allow hoodlums to overrun Anambra State. Our men have taken control of the area,” Ikenga said, assuring the public that normalcy is being restored.

The incident has also reignited criticism of the state government’s existing security operations, including Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga Achi. Residents say these efforts have failed to deter rising violence, often attributed to armed separatist elements and criminal gangs operating under the guise of Biafra agitation.

As of the time of this report, the full casualty count is still being assessed, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and provide any helpful information to aid the ongoing security operations.

Global Investors Shift To Active Equity Funds Amid Market Volatility

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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Global Investors Shift To Active Equity Funds Amid Market Volatility

Global investors are increasingly turning to actively managed equity funds in 2025, responding to heightened market volatility triggered by renewed U.S. tariffs and a broadening of the stock market rally beyond mega-cap tech names.

Data from LSEG Lipper shows that active equity funds attracted a record $127 billion in inflows during the first half of the year, a 57% surge compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, passively managed equity funds recorded an 8% drop in inflows.

Passive investment strategies have dominated recent years, favored for their low fees and reliable returns. However, the landscape is shifting. Market disruptions, including tariff policies under U.S. President Donald Trump and escalating geopolitical tensions, are prompting investors to seek the strategic flexibility of active management.

The current environment of sectoral and stock-level divergence is opening the door for active managers to outperform particularly those targeting companies with robust pricing power, diverse revenue streams, and stable supply chains.

A recent Natixis Investment Managers survey revealed that 71% of strategists anticipate continued equity market volatility, with 68% expecting similar turbulence in bond markets. Despite this, a majority see opportunity: 71% of respondents are eyeing equities for returns, while 74% are looking to fixed income.

“Simply tracking an index may no longer deliver the diversification or downside protection investors assume,” said Joseph Shaposhnik, portfolio manager at Rainwater Equity. “Active managers who maintain valuation discipline and prudent capital allocation have largely avoided crowded, overvalued sectors, contributing to net outperformance this year.”

According to LSEG, global equity gains in 2025 have been led by the financial, telecom, and mining sectors, each posting returns of 10% or more. Meanwhile, the technology sector which has led in previous years has underperformed, with returns of just 8.6%.

Chad Harmer, chief investment officer at Harmer Wealth Management, noted that the top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 now represent nearly 35% of the index’s total market capitalization, an imbalance that historically precedes underperformance.

“When market leadership narrows, index investors unknowingly assume increased single-stock risk,” Harmer said. “Active managers are better positioned to mitigate that risk or to allocate capital into undervalued segments of the market.”

7th ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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7th ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open

Preparations are in top gear for the seventh edition of the ValueJet Lagos World Para Table Tennis Open, scheduled to take place from July 9 to 11 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

This year’s event will feature athletes from neighbouring West African nations, including Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and host country Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), Sunday Odebode, emphasized the tournament’s importance as a qualifying event for the inaugural West African Paralympic Games set for September.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, highlighted the significance of Lagos hosting the tournament, stating that the state continues to solidify its reputation as the table tennis hub of Africa.

Also present at the briefing, the Chief Operating Officer of ITTF Africa, Kweku Tandoh, commended ValueJet for its unwavering support of the tournament. He also praised the PCN president for his dedication to promoting para table tennis in Nigeria through the consistent organization of the annual event.

Among the standout athletes to watch is Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle, who spoke passionately about the tournament’s impact on his career.

“This competition is the foundation of my journey,” Ogunkunle said. “It was through this platform that I was discovered, and it gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, dreams I’m still striving to fully achieve, even with the bronze medal from Paris. I hope to see new talents emerge at this year’s edition.”

The tournament promises to showcase inspiring stories and fierce competition, continuing its legacy as a vital platform for para table tennis development in Nigeria and the West African region.

Naira Gains Ground In Parallel Market, Trades At N1,560/$

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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Naira Gains Ground In Parallel Market, Trades At N1,560/$

The naira appreciated slightly in the parallel market on Tuesday, exchanging at N1,560 per dollar compared to N1,565 on Monday, signaling renewed strength for the local currency in informal trade circles. This five-naira gain comes amid ongoing interventions and policy measures aimed at narrowing the gap between official and unofficial exchange rates.

However, the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) told a different story. Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the naira depreciated marginally at the official window, closing at N1,530.5 per dollar. This marks a one-naira drop from N1,529.5 recorded the previous day.

As a result, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rates has tightened. The gap, which stood at N35.5 per dollar on Monday, shrank to N29.5 per dollar by Tuesday, an encouraging sign for economic observers who have called for a more unified and transparent exchange rate system.

The appreciation in the black market may reflect improved dollar liquidity, possibly due to foreign inflows or speculative traders offloading hoarded dollars in anticipation of further naira stabilization. Meanwhile, the slight depreciation in the official market is seen as part of natural market adjustments within the managed float system introduced by the CBN.

This development comes against the backdrop of intensified monetary reforms, including periodic dollar interventions by the apex bank and efforts to boost non-oil export earnings to shore up Nigeria’s foreign reserves. While volatility still characterizes both forex segments, the narrowing of the spread is being viewed by analysts as a step in the right direction.

Still, many stakeholders caution that sustained naira recovery will require structural changes including reducing import dependency, curbing speculative trading, and fostering investor confidence. For now, the improved parallel market performance offers a glimmer of hope for businesses and consumers grappling with fluctuating exchange rates and inflationary pressures.

South Korea Sends Back Six North Koreans Who Asked To Return

Ohiomoje Margaret
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South Korea Sends Back Six North Koreans Who Asked To Return

South Korea has sent six North Korean nationals back to their country after they unintentionally entered South Korean territory earlier this year. Officials explained that all six individuals had consistently communicated a “strong desire” to return home.

Two of the individuals had crossed into the South’s waters in March and remained for four months, marking the longest known stay by non-defectors in recent history.

The remaining four were fishermen who mistakenly crossed the contested sea boundary between the two nations in May.

This repatriation marks the first of its kind since President Lee Jae-myung assumed office, having previously emphasized the importance of renewing inter-Korean engagement. Authorities on both sides reportedly faced delays in coordinating the return, despite ongoing efforts over several months.

Cases of North Korean vessels unintentionally veering south are not new. Such incidents are often linked to the use of small, manually operated boats that are difficult to redirect once they drift off course.

Previously, returns like these were arranged via the shared land border, requiring both governments to communicate. However, that coordination channel collapsed in April 2023 when North Korea severed all inter-Korean contact amid escalating hostilities.

Eight months following that communication breakdown, the North’s leader, Kim Jong Un, publicly declared that reunification between the two Koreas was no longer a goal.

Currently, the only functioning methods of contact between North and South involve intermediaries like the United Nations Command or limited interactions through the media.

According to South Korean officials, they attempted twice to relay their intent to return the six individuals using UN Command communication pathways. However, they did not receive any formal acknowledgment from the North.

On the day of the handover, North Korean patrol ships and fishing boats appeared at the site, prompting speculation that some form of informal coordination had occurred “behind the scenes.”

“If you set a boat adrift in the vast ocean without any co-ordination, there’s a real risk it could drift away again,” says Nam Sung-wook, the former head of the Korea National Strategy Institute think tank.

Nam also noted that once back in North Korea, the individuals are likely to undergo intense scrutiny.

“They’ll be grilled on whether they received any espionage training or overheard anything sensitive. [It will be] an intense process aimed at extracting every last piece of information,” he says.

Following their interrogation, they might be recruited to promote the state’s narrative. Their willingness to return “strengthens the legitimacy of [Kim’s] regime”, adds Lim Eul-chul, a professor specialising in North studies in Kyungnam University.

Michael Madden, a researcher focused on North Korean affairs, pointed out that the events occurred while South Korea was under temporary leadership due to the impeachment of the former president.

“This may have delayed some decision making in both Koreas.

“Pyongyang certainly did not trust the Yoon remnants in South Korea, and both Koreas could have been open to accusations of an unlawful repatriation out of political expedience by the international community,” he said.

These returns have raised concerns among some North Korean defectors living in the South.

Activist Lee Min-bok says the six people “should have been given a chance to talk to defectors and learn more about South Korean society”.

“If I’d had the chance to speak with them, I would have told them the truth [about inter-Korean history] and warned them that they could eventually face punishment from the North Korean regime, simply because they had already experienced life in the South,” says Mr Lee, who used to float balloons with anti-Kim leaflets into the North.

But many activists are anticipating tighter restrictions under the current administration, which favors greater engagement with Pyongyang.

Lawmakers in Seoul are currently reviewing legislation that would prohibit sending information across the border using balloons.

Since taking office in June, President Lee has promised to revive talks with the North and ease hostilities. Shortly after assuming power, South Korea’s military halted its use of loudspeakers to broadcast propaganda toward the North, calling it a gesture to “restore trust in inter-Korean relations and achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula”.

Still, several experts remain skeptical about the possibility of renewed cooperation between the two sides.

North Korea has “built up solid co-operation” with Russia, and now has “little need” to engage the South, says Celeste Arrington, director of The George Washington University Institute for Korean Studies.

She also noted that many South Koreans currently show limited interest in reconnecting with the North.

“Thus, there are few signals, if any, of North Korea wanting to re-establish lines of communication with the South, let alone a desire for meaningful warming of relations.”

How FUTA Student and Over 4,000 Others Were Cleared by JAMB Over Fake Admission Allegations

Ohiomoje Margaret
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How FUTA Student and Over 4,000 Others Were Cleared by JAMB Over Fake Admission Allegations

Bashola Jamiu Owodunni, a top-performing Civil Engineering graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has been officially cleared by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after previously being tagged as having secured a fake admission. Owodunni, who graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.41, was caught in the middle of a nationwide controversy over irregular university admissions.

His JAMB record had initially shown no valid admission status, rendering him ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other post-graduation opportunities. But following widespread public pressure and activist-led interventions, his case, along with those of over 4,000 other affected graduates, has now been resolved.

JAMB has now restored access to his portal, and he is expected to be mobilised in the upcoming NYSC batch.

How Did It All Begin?

In 2023, JAMB published a list of students it claimed were not properly admitted through its official channels. These admissions were labeled as unapproved, leaving over 4,000 candidates stranded after graduation. Many were unable to proceed with NYSC or secure employment because their admissions were not reflected in JAMB’s system.

Owodunni’s case became one of the most widely discussed, as he had successfully completed his studies at FUTA, only to find out his academic credentials were considered invalid by JAMB’s records. Despite having received admission letters from both JAMB and FUTA at the time, the board later declared the admission illegal after conducting an internal review.

According to JAMB, “The role of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is primarily regulatory. The Board scrutinises and approves candidates recommended for admissions by the institutions and ensures that only those who meet the requisite requirements are considered.”

The issue was not isolated to Owodunni. Many students across the country were affected by poor coordination between their institutions and JAMB, especially in cases predating the full adoption of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

What Led to the Clearance?

The tide began to turn after weeks of sustained advocacy from concerned citizens, education platforms, and activists. JAMB reopened a verification process, which eventually led to the clearance of over 4,000 candidates. The board’s spokesperson confirmed that the new review corrected earlier documentation errors that had caused legitimate graduates to be blacklisted.

“The good news is that it has been resolved,” said Alex Onyia, CEO of an education technology platform, who had been following the case closely. “Owodunni can now be part of the next batch of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),” he added in a post.

Human rights advocate and public commentator, Omoyele Sowore, also weighed in on the matter. “Following our intervention with JAMB officials, it has come to our attention that the admission and matriculation body has resolved the matriculation issues of over 4,000 candidates who had previously become stranded after completing their studies. This includes the famed FUTA graduate, Bashola Owodunni,” he said.

While welcoming the resolution, Sowore criticised the institutions involved, saying, “JAMB and some university administrations have contributed to creating this crisis. Their internal failures caused thousands of students unnecessary pain, delay, and uncertainty.”

He went further to call for compensation for affected graduates. “We demand full compensation for the time lost, emotional trauma, and denied opportunities. Furthermore, an immediate and thorough resolution is needed for the remaining 10,000-plus students still stuck in limbo,” he said.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

Now that the clearance has been issued, students like Owodunni can confidently move forward with their lives. They can now participate in NYSC, apply for jobs, pursue further studies, and validate their academic records without the fear of being flagged as fake graduates.

However, this development also brings into focus the need for stronger administrative processes and digital alignment between universities and JAMB. Poor documentation and miscommunication should not cost innocent students their futures.

What Should Students and Institutions Do Now?

JAMB has advised all students to regularly check their admission status through its official portal and ensure their records are up to date. Institutions are also expected to strictly follow due process when offering admissions and must comply fully with the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to avoid further discrepancies.

The decision to clear Bashola Owodunni and thousands of others is a huge relief, but the damage many of them faced cannot be ignored. These students went through stress, delays, and missed important opportunities, all because of mistakes they didn’t cause.

No student should have to suffer or have their future put on hold because of poor coordination between schools and JAMB. It’s not just about fixing records, it’s about restoring trust in the system.

This situation should be a serious reminder to all those involved in the education process, from institutions to government bodies, that proper documentation and timely communication matter. Students deserve better. They deserve clarity, fairness, and a system that works for them, not against them.

Trump To Host Five African Presidents For Strategic White House Talks

Enyosa Favour
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Trump To Host Five African Presidents For Strategic White House Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the presidents of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon for a White House lunch on Wednesday. The gathering, expected to focus on trade, investment, and security, will take place in the State Dining Room, though officials have released few specifics about the administration’s broader agenda.

According to AFP, representatives from the invited nations anticipate discussions around economic cooperation as each country seeks stronger bilateral ties. “Our interest is to look more to trade and engagement partners who will invest,” said Kula Fofana, press secretary to Liberian President Joseph Boakai. Similarly, Gabon’s spokesman, Theophane Biyoghe, framed the visit as an opportunity for “synergies centred around the industrialisation of our economy.”

The meeting comes amid a shifting U.S. foreign policy landscape. Just days earlier, the Trump administration officially shut down USAID, calling it an end to the “charity-based model” and signaling a move toward investment-driven diplomacy. Meanwhile, strategic competition looms large: China and Russia have both deepened their footprints across the region through infrastructure projects and political alliances, including Moscow’s support for the Sahel’s junta-led AES bloc.

Security may also be on the table, especially after Guinea-Bissau recently handed over four convicted Latin American drug traffickers to the U.S. DEA. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo called the visit “very important” for his country, emphasizing the potential for economic advancement. While no press appearances are currently scheduled, the stakes are high as all five nations navigate both the promises and pitfalls of engagement with Washington.

The Unstitched Law: Why Africa’s Fashion Industry Needs Stronger Legal Framework

Enyosa Favour
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The Unstitched Law: Why Africa’s Fashion Industry Needs Stronger Legal Framework

As Africa’s fashion industry rapidly grows in influence and global recognition, the need for a stronger legal framework has become more urgent than ever. Fashion law in Africa is an emerging field that blends intellectual property, labor rights, business law, and cultural heritage protections, offering much-needed legal clarity to designers, models, tailors, and fashion entrepreneurs.

Yet, the industry often operates in legal grey areas, leaving creatives vulnerable to copyright theft, exploitation, and poor labor conditions. Without solid policies that protect originality, foster ethical practices, and encourage fair trade, Africa risks stalling the growth of one of its most dynamic cultural exports.

A robust legal and policy structure can help establish best practices, attract investment, and inspire innovation in the sector. From protecting indigenous designs to regulating contracts and ensuring fair wages, fashion law could fill a vital gap in both legal and creative landscapes. If African governments, industry leaders, and policymakers begin prioritizing these frameworks, the continent’s fashion industry won’t just shine on global runways, it will also be legally equipped to thrive, sustainably and equitably.

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