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Senate Proposes Integration of Mental Health Education into School Curriculum

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Senate Proposes Integration of Mental Health Education into School Curriculum

In a bid to proffer solution to mental health issues among students as well as educators, the Nigerian Senate has called for the inclusion of mental health studies in the educational curriculum of the nation.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this in Abuja on Monday during a Mental Health Empowerment Initiative ( MHEI) programme.

Still serving as Grand Patron of MHEI and the Association of Mental Health Reforms Organizations in Africa, Banigo explained the existing relationship between mental health, discipline, and academic performance.

“ Education is more than the pursuit of grades ; it is the shaping of character , values, and vision. Yet we can not expect excellence from a mind burdened by anxiety, depression, fear or hopelessness “, she stated.

She emphasized the alarming rate of academic exhaustion, intake of substance, and strain among students and instructors. She stated that such situations are handled with levity and often waved off and addressed as “spiritual issues,” leading some persons to permanently remain a shadow of themselves.

“We may move from silence to action, from stigma to support. The school environment must become a place not only for intellectual development but for psychological safety and emotional growth,” she added.

Banigo restated the Senate Committee’s commitment to ensuring that students in the country thrive mentally and academically while highlighting steps aimed at achieving this goal.

She emphasized the need to work at length with the Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of Health to the inclusion of mental health education into schools curriculum, equip teachers and school counselors with skills in emotional intelligence and crisis response.

“ We must also establish mental health desks in schools and tertiary institutions, empower parents through community based mental health awareness and invest in credible local research and youth centered data to drive evidence based decisions that strengthen education, mental well being and national development,” she said.

The event held by MHEI , involved the flagship of two activities which included a National Students – Parents – Teachers Roundtable in Abuja and a continental Webinar hosted under AMHROA, whose aim was focused on bridging the gap between education and mental health reforms.

The National roundtable, hosted at the Federal Ministry of Education Secretariat, gathered more than 120 participants, comprising students from five secondary schools, parents , teachers, education authorities and NGO representatives to deliberate on ways to enhance mental wellbeing within schools.

The webinar , which also drew 54 participants from 14 African nations, such as Nigeria, Kenya,Ghana, South Africa, and Uganda , broadened the conversation to focus on educational reforms.

#FreeNnamdiKanuNow: Court Activities Paralysed, Hearing Stalled In Police Suit Against Protesters

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#FreeNnamdiKanuNow: Court Activities Paralysed, Hearing Stalled In Police Suit Against Protesters

Hearing in the police suit against Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, on Monday, suffered set back as court activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja came to a halt.

As at 9:30am, when reporters got access to the premises of the high-rise building that houses no fewer than 13 courts, all the courtrooms were under lock and key.

Although very few court workers, lawyers, litigants, and private guards of the court were seeing in the premises, no judge was sighted.

There were heavy security deployments with water cannons in and around the intersection between Gana Street and Shehu Shagari Way by Nicon Hilton Hotel, the popular NITEL Junction at Wuse 2, Federal Secretariat environs, National Assembly Junction, to Asokoro District leading into Presidential Villa.

Movement of vehicles was disallowed and many pedestrians were denied walking through the restricted areas, while police fired tear gas in some places.

Justice Mohammed Umar had, on Friday, fixed today for the respondents in the ex-parte motion filed by the police, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), to show cause why the interim order made by the court should be vacated.

Justice Umar had restrained Mr Sowore, the 1st respondent, and others from protesting in some sensitive areas in Abuja, including the Aso Rock Villa, today for the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The judge also barred the protesters from anywhere close to the villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

Others named in the interim order include Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB), for the Transformation of Nigeria Or Any Form of Organisation or Any Other Person(s) Acting Either Express or Implied Instruction or Any Other Organisation or Group With the Like Intention; and Unknown Persons as 2nd to 5th respondents respectively.

The judge had granted the ex-parte motion moved by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of FRN on Friday.

The judge also made an order of abridgement of time “within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause the ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am.”

Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.

The ex-parte motion was marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025.

In the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion deposed to by Bassey Ibithan, a police officer attached to Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the officer averred that if not granted, the protest might threaten the national security.

Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, had planned toorganised the protest for the release of Kanu.

Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC), had begun mobilisation for what he called a planned peaceful protest against Kanu’s detention.

However, there have also been ongoing calls for political solutions to Kanu’s trial who is facing alleged terrorism offence at the Federal High Court before Justice James Omotosho.

Ember Months : FRSC Laments 432 Fatalities In Road Accidents In Kaduna

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Ember Months : FRSC Laments 432 Fatalities In Road Accidents In Kaduna

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna State Sector Command, has urged motorists to take responsibility for their safety to reduce road traffic crashes across the state .

According to the Command, the 2024 operation zero-statistics revealed alarming data, 432 fatalities, and 2,070 injuries from 533 reported road crashes.

The Sector Commander, Corps Commander (CC), Tijjani Iliyasu, gave the task at a press briefing on Monday in Kaduna.
Iliyasu read the FRSC Corps Marshal’s speech in Kaduna to mark the inauguration of the 2025 Ember Months road safety sensitisation campaign.
He said, “This campaign is an annual tradition where the FRSC amplifies its efforts for safer road use.
” As we know, the ember months are characterised by increased travel and higher traffic volumes, leading to a rise in road crashes.”
Iliyasu said the corps marshal extended his sincere appreciation to the media for their ongoing commitment to advancing road safety awareness.
He said, “Your platforms are vital in amplifying our message and promoting safer driving practices in Nigeria.
” The theme for this year’s campaign is “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
The sector commander said the theme underscored the significant impact of human factors in road crashes, highlighting that drivers bear considerable responsibility for safety on our highways.

According to him, the 2024 operation zero-statistics revealed alarming data, 432 fatalities, and 2,070 injuries from 533 reported road crashes.
They were primarily caused by driver fatigue, overloading, and unsafe practices like carrying passengers in inappropriate vehicles and transporting fuel in plastic containers.
Iliyasu said the choice of the 2025 campaign theme aimed to address traffic violations contributing to these incidents.

” They include non-adherence to traffic rules, speed limit violations,driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, seat belt non-compliance, distracted driving and including cell phone use, “he said.

The sector commander said, ” To achieve the goals of the campaign. we have set forth actionable measures, deployment of FRSC personnel across major highways and crash-prone areas, and free vehicle checks for roadworthiness.

“Others include motor park rallies and carnivals to raise awareness and town hall meetings to collaborate with transport unions and security agencies.”
Iliyasu explained that these initiatives, alongside some ongoing enforcement operations, were designed to combat reckless driving, particularly prevalent during the ember months, reducing road crashes and fatalities.
He said that over the recent months, FRSC had made strides in partnership and capacity building, enhancing driver training standards and ensuring fleet compliance with safety regulations.
“We have also collaborated with NGOs and civil society groups, while mobile courts have been set up to address chronic traffic violations,” Iliyasu said.

He added that the FRSC Annual Lecture Series had been revived this year to discuss road safety as a vital public health issue, providing strategic insights on global best practices.

“We are addressing delays in the issuance of driver’s licenses.
“Our upgraded printing facility can now produce 15,000 licenses daily, aiming to clear backlogs by mid-November 2025.

“We will soon implement contactless biometric capture with on-spot licence printing, eliminating temporary licenses and streamlining the licensing process, “he said .

Iliyasu disclosed that plans were also underway for an international conference on road crash victims in Africa, taking place from November 16 to November 18, in collaboration with the KRSD Road Safety Foundation.

“This event aims to enhance post-crash care and align with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

“The Corps Marshall acknowledges the significant support from the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

” I encourage all Nigerians to continue supporting the Corps in our mission to create a safer road environment, “Illiyasu said.

Borno Foiled Attack: Nigerian Troops Inflict Heavy Casualty On Terrorists, Lose Commanding Officer, Others

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Borno Foiled Attack: Nigerian Troops Inflict Heavy Casualty On Terrorists, Lose Commanding Officer, Others

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled a planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists around Kashimri in Bama Local Government Area of Borno, neutralising several insurgents and destroying their camps.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Anele said the operation took place on Oct. 17 under the coordination of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.

She stated that the troops acted on intelligence that terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks on civilian communities and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.

She added that “the troops swiftly moved to the suspected locations and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, neutralising several of them while others fled with gunshot wounds.

“The operation also led to the destruction of identified Boko Haram camps.”

Anele, however, confirmed that the Commanding Officer of 202 Tank Battalion, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Paiko, and a few other gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter.

She said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as “patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation.”

She quoted the COAS as saying “their sacrifices would never be in vain. The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursuing all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace is restored in the North East and across the country.”

Army spokesperson appealed to the public and the media to refrain from circulating images of deceased personnel until their next of kins have been duly informed.

This, according to her, is to protect the dignity of the fallen heroes and the privacy of their families.

Developing Story: Security Operatives Battle #freeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters In Abuja

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Developing Story: Security Operatives Battle #freeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters In Abuja

Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is in turmoil following clashes between security operatives and protesters of #freeNnamdiKanuNow march, who are
demanding the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday.

The demonstrators, led by the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, had converged as early as 6:50 a.m. around the headquarters of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The protesters were chanting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect rule of law! We have rights to protest; we’re Nigerians!” when security operatives opened fire

Following the refusal of the protesters to disperse, security forces are said to have fired live bullets to disperse the protesters.

Before the clampdown, the protesters had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to press home their demand for Kanu’s release, accusing the government of flouting court orders.

To ensure curtailment of the activities of the group of protesters, a combined team, drawn from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had mounted heavy security around the Presidential Villa since Sunday.

 

At strategic points leading to the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, Force Headquarters, and the popular Eagle Square, armed personnel were stationed to prevent unauthorised movement.

Earlier, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore led the protest in Abuja in front of the Trancorp Hilton Hotel.

The protest tagged: #freeNnamdiKanuNow was closely monitored by the police who barricaded the area to prevent further movement by Sowore and his group.

When the group refused to stop their advancement, the Police fired teargas near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja to break up the gathering of the demonstrators.

A large contingent of police and military personnel had earlier surrounded the area, blocking access to nearby streets.

In the Utako area of Abuja, where the protesters regrouped after fleeing from the Maitama area, they continued chanting solidarity songs and displayed banners demanding the release of Kanu, before armed security operatives also forcefully dispersed them by firing teargas cannisters.

Meanwhile, traffic in Abuja has worsened as Security operatives extended roadblocks at the entry points of the city.

Combined security forces drawn from the Guards Brigade and the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Police have mounted more roadblocks at the entry points of the nation’s capital, and also at strategic places leading to the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal Headquarters, Force Headquarters and the popular Eagle Square.

This led to heavy traffic gridlock around Bwari, Zuba, Nyanya axis and other entry points to the nation’s capital.The road that connects Bwari to the City Centre was blocked at the War College Area in Ushafa and at Dutse-Sokale area.

Reactions are trailing the ##FreeNnamdiKanu protest with the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday condemning the protest and describing it as “the hand of Jacob and the voice of Esau.”

The party stated that while freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are sacrosanct in any democracy, “what we are witnessing is far from a legitimate call for justice.”

Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesman of the party in the state described the protest as “a dangerous display of reckless politics, carefully scripted by desperate opposition figures who see chaos as their last political weapon.”

In a statement he signed, Oladejo said: “This so-called protest is not about justice; it is about political frustration. It represents the height of bitter, destructive politics, an attempt by those who have been roundly rejected by Nigerians at the polls to exploit national issues in search of cheap relevance.

“We find it deeply disturbing that certain opposition leaders, who should know better, are shamelessly endorsing and sponsoring these street theatrics.

“Their involvement reveals what can only be described as a classic case of the Biblical hand of Jacob but the voice of Esau, deceitful manipulation hiding behind the façade of activism. But let them be reminded: they will not gain in the streets what they have disgracefully lost at the polls.

“The insensitivity of the organizers and their sponsors is shocking. At a time when the South East is still bleeding from years of mindless bloodshed, kidnappings, and enforced sit-at-home orders, all consequences of violent agitation, these individuals have chosen to mock the memories of the victims. They ignore the tears of widows, the pains of orphans, and the devastation of communities ruined by senseless violence. Their protest is not a demand for justice; it is a betrayal of the sacrifices of the innocent.

“For years, ordinary citizens in the South East have lived in fear, traders afraid to open their shops, transporters grounded by threats, children deprived of education, and families shattered by insecurity. Yet, instead of standing with their people to heal these wounds, these political opportunists have returned to fan the embers of division, hoping to profit from instability.

“Let it be clear: no one is above the law. The case of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu remains a judicial matter properly before the courts. Nigeria’s judiciary is competent, independent, and capable of delivering justice without recourse to mob pressure or street intimidation,” the statement concluded.

Osinbajo Leads ECOWAS Election Observation Mission To Cote d’Ivoire

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Osinbajo Leads ECOWAS Election Observation Mission To Cote d’Ivoire

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to lead its Election Observation Mission to the upcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.

ECOWAS Secretariat announced this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

The election is scheduled for October 25.

The mission will be deployed from October 19 to October 29 in line with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a team of eminent West Africans tasked with engaging key national stakeholders to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The team will also engage stakeholders towards fostering cooperation with other international and domestic observer groups and assessing the conduct of the polls.

The deployment of this Observation Mission underscores ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections in the sub-region.

Stockbrokers Must Embrace, Blockchain, AI Technologies, Ethics For Customers Satisfaction -SEC

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Stockbrokers Must Embrace, Blockchain, AI Technologies, Ethics For Customers Satisfaction -SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged stockbrokers to uphold the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct to ensure a fair and transparent market.

The Director-General of SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said this in a notice to stockbrokers in Abuja on Sunday.

Agama said upholding ethical conduct was necessary to enable investors to have confidence that intermediaries who managed their wealth were guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

He said digitisation, ethics, and sustainability formed the foundation of a modern, inclusive and resilient capital markets.

“Across the world, capital markets are being reshaped by technological innovation.

”The digital era has introduced new possibilities from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence.

”These innovations are changing how we raise capital, how we invest, and how we supervise,” he said.

The director-general said the commission had embraced technological as an opportunity to enhance efficiency, transparency, and investors’ protection.

”We are also actively engaging with stakeholders including the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, to deepen digital literacy and capacity-building across the market.

”As technology evolves, so must our skills, our ethics, and our shared commitment to fairness and professionalism.

“No amount of innovation can replace the foundational importance of ethics.

”A truly transformative capital market must be built on integrity, transparency, and accountability,” Agama said.

NDLEA intercepts US, UK, DRC-bound Illicit Drugs Concealed In Frozen Snails, Bulbs At Lagos Airport

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NDLEA intercepts US, UK, DRC-bound Illicit Drugs Concealed In Frozen Snails, Bulbs At Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of illicit drugs heading to the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, issued to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that the drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and female clothes were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.

He said that at least two suspects linked to an attempt to export the illicit substances had already been taken into custody.

According to him, one of them, a cargo agent, was arrested on October 7, following the discovery of 15 parcels of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

He added that it was concealed in 10 pieces of giant rechargeable electrical bulb he presented in a carton, for airfreight to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

“Another of the suspects in custody is a 48-year-old, who is a UK-based Public Health Assistant. He was also arrested on Sunday, October 12, at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the airport, in Ikeja.

“This followed the discovery of frozen snails used to conceal 2,300 pills of tramadol, 225mg in her luggage, while heading to Manchester, United Kingdom, on a Qatar Airways flight.

“Attempt by another syndicate to export 810 pills of bromazepam hidden in female clothes going to the U.S., was also thwarted by NDLEA officers, at a courier company in Lagos, on Thursday, Oct. 16,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Adamawa, a suspect was intercepted at an NDLEA check point in Namtari, Yola South Local Government Area (LGA) with 38,270 pills of tramadol.

Babafemi noted that the pills were concealed in the spare tyre, boot as well as the door compartments of the Honda Civic car, which he drove all the way from Benin Republic, to smuggle the consignment into Nigeria on Sunday, Oct. 12.

‎In a related development, not less than 53, 250 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on a 21.3 hectares of cannabis farm in Ilawe Ekiti, in Ekiti state, with 70 bags of the same psychoactive substance.

Babafemi added that the drugs weighing 1,140kg were recovered by operatives of the NDLEA, during an operation that lasted between Sunday, Oct. 12 and Monday, Oct. 13.

This, he said, followed the destruction of 17,400kg skunk on 6.96 hectares of plantation by the NDLEA operatives at Aponmu forest reserve, Akure, in Ondo on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Similarly, in Oyo, four suspects were nabbed with 596kg skunk at Apata-Ako, Igboora, while two others were arrested with 273kg of the same substance at Odo-Oyan, Igangan, on Thursday, October 16.

In Ogun, a suspect was arrested in possession of 88kg skunk on Wednesday, October 15, by NDLEA operatives at Ona – Imeko, in Ogun.

“Another suspect, 42, was nabbed with 13,000 pills of opioids along Onitsha- Owerri road, in Imo state.

“A total of 74.5kg skunk was also recovered from the store of a suspect, at Umuogbo – Agu village, Enugu state on Saturday, October 18,” he stated.

In another development, no fewer than 11 bags of skunk weighing 117kg were recovered from the base of a suspect in the Mushin area of Lagos on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Babafemi added that a total of 80,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were also intercepted in a container earlier watch-listed by NDLEA, coming from India.

This, he said, was during a joint examination of the shipment with men of the Customs service and other security agencies at the Apapa port on Tuesday, October 14.

“In like manner, Commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities, among others in the past week.

“These include: WADA advocacy lecture to students and staff of the Commercial Grammar School, Igogo Ekiti; Junior Secondary Smart School, Kasarawa, Katsina and Government Technical College, Ahoada, Rivers.

“Others are Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Yau Danzabuwa, Babura, Jigawa state; Attarbiyya Community College, Hotoro, Kano and Fuga Mixed Secondary School, Fuga, Edo state.

“The agency also carried out the sensitization at St. Cyprian Special Science School, Nsukka, Enugu, and St. Peter’s College, Olomore, Abeokuta in Ogun, among others.”

According to Babafemi, the NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa has commended the officers and men of MMIA, Apapa, Lagos, Ekiti, Adamawa, Oyo, Enugu, Ogun, Ondo, and Imo Commands, for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa urged them and their colleagues across the country, not to relent in their ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the agency.

Experts List Easier Means Of Boosting SMEs Formalisation

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Experts List Easier Means Of Boosting SMEs Formalisation

Some trade experts have called for a harmonised simplified, low cost, and time limited incentive to encourage micro businesses to formalise or register their ventures.

The experts said this in the MoniePoint Informal Economy Report, 2025, unveiled in Abuja.

Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, the Chief Executive Officer of Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA), said that time-limited incentives for formalisation such as fee waivers would help small businesses to register.

Akinjayeju said access to grants or training for newly registered micro-businesses would also encourage informal businesses to formalise their enterprises.

According to her, businesses will formalise and thrive when compliance is both easy and rewarding, and when finance is structured to support, not strain already thin margins.

”To simplify compliance and incentivise
formalisation, create a tiered registration framework where micro-businesses begin with minimal requirements and scale obligations as they grow.

”Embed compliance into mobile and agent-based platforms to cut friction; and ensure that registration immediately unlocks tangible value—such as access to finance, skills programmes, or temporary tax holidays,” she said.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Chinyere Almona, said in the report that executing targeted fiscal incentives required pragmatism, precision, and phased implementation.

Almona said a tiered system where micro businesses, such as street vendors or family-run shops, enjoyed simplified registration processes requiring minimal documentation would encourage them to formalise their enterprises.

”Instead of demanding board resolutions from micro-traders, the government can accept mobile-based registrations linked to NIN/BVN, drastically reducing friction.

”Fiscal support, tax credits, subsidised digital tools, and small-scale infrastructure grants should be front loaded, ensuring operators see the tangible benefits of engaging with the government,” she suggested.

The Chief Economist, BusinessDay Media, Dr Oluyemi Adeosun, said financial incentives linked to digital and tax compliance could be between 20 and 30 per cent of micro-businesses transition to semi-formal operations by 2030.

Adeosun said the move would help increase the sector’s Gross Domestic Product contribution from 58 per cent to 65 per cent.

The Managing Director, MoniePoint Microfinance Bank, Mr Babatunde Olofin, had said the reason for bank’s existence was to create a society where everyone experienced financial happiness and their dreams powered irrespective of their sizes or status.

Olofin said the report would provide policy makers and ecosystem stakeholders with data and insight that would drive inclusive and evidence-based decisions.

He said the goal of the company was to unleash Nigeria’s full economic potential and ensure that the most vulnerable households were not left behind.

Olofin said this year’s report deepened employment, taxation, savings behaviour and business operations within the informal economy.

”The informal economy report is more than just a study. It is a mirror of Nigeria’s economic reality, especially for millions who make their living outside the formal system,” he said.

Mathematics Remains Compulsory For O’Level Arts Students, Says FG

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Mathematics Remains Compulsory For O’Level Arts Students, Says FG

The Federal Government has said Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O-Level examinations.

This was conveyed in a press statement issued by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, on Sunday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Boriowo had announced that senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities would no longer be required to present a credit in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for tertiary admissions.

Boriowo had stated that the reform became necessary after years of restricted access, which denied many qualified candidates admission opportunities.
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She had said while over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination annually, only about 700,000 gain admission.
However, the issue had generated controversy as some educationists rejected the policy shift, saying it would further encourage laziness among students and negatively impact their academic excellence and performance.

But in the new statement, Boriowo said the new admission guidelines do not exempt any candidate from registering and sitting for Mathematics.

“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.

The statement added that while institutions may now admit candidates into certain programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics are not mandatory, students are still required to take both subjects during their O-Level exams.

“This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” she clarified.

According to the statement, the reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.

“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” the Ministry noted.

The Ministry also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified policy updates

Asked if the new development meant a U-turn on the earlier stance of the ministry, Boriowo said, “No, no U-turn — it’s a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements to expand access to tertiary education, please.”

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