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Tinubu writes House, Seeks Repeal, Re-enactment Of Student Loans Bill

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…as bill gets expeditious heariing scale First, second reading

By Gloria Ikibah

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a letter to House of Representatives seeking the repeal and reenactment of the Students Loan Bill.

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The letter which titled “TRANSMISSION OF STUDENT LOANS (ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION) (REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT) BILL, 2024 and dated March 14, 2024, was read by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, on Thursday at plenary.

This according to President Tinubu seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF).

The letter reads: “Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). I forward, herewith, The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.

“The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re- Enactment) Bill, 2024 seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), applicant eligibility requirements, loan purpose, funding sources and disbursement and repayment procedures.

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“Whilst hoping that this submission will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the House of Representatives, please accept, Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Meanwhile, “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 and Enact
the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2024 to Establish the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a Body Corporate to Receive, Manage and Invest Funds to Provide Loans to Nigerians
for Higher Education, Vocational Training and Skills Acquisition and for Related Matters (HB.1266), was present on Thursday at plenary.

The Bill to repeal and reenactment, received expeditious hearing as it scaled first and second reading.

Lawmakers who debated the bill on the floor of the House were unanimous in their agreement that it should be passed to law as quickly as possible for the benefit of Nigerian education.

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Minority Leader, Rep. Kinglsey Chinda commended President Tinubu for initiating the executive bill.

He said: “This is what Nigerian students have been waiting for and this bill is clearly in the interest of our children out there.

“The lapses in the first bill have been rectified in this new bill. Let us pass this bill and transmit it to the executive for implementation”.

Also speaking, Rep. Miriam Onuoha, member representing Onuimo/Okigwe/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency of Imo State, noted that many Nigerians will benefit from the student loan scheme.

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“This will be a relief to struggling mothers who are often threatened by lack of adequate fund to send their children to school.

“With this loan scheme, access to education is increased. Youths will be taken off the streets and I believe this will is part of the solution to kidnapping, insecurity and terrorism,” she said.

On his part, Rep. Philip Agbese who urged lawmakers to support the bill, advised that no part of the country should be disenfranchised from accessing the student loan once it takes off.

“I want to urge that the Federal Government should put mechanism in place to ensure that no part or region is disfranchised from this scheme,” he said.

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Army Nabs Wanted Soldier Accused Of Supplying Uniforms To Terrorists While Escaping to Cameroon

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have nabbed a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military wares to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.

Preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted by the Army, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding.

Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

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Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.Government

Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplice.

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AEDC Promotes 547 Employees, Raises Pay For 579 Others

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Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has promoted 547 employees and approved salary step increments for 579 others as part of a broad workforce development programme designed to reward outstanding performance, strengthen staff motivation and drive organisational excellence.

The exercise, which benefitted 1,126 employees, followed the successful completion of the company’s 2025 Performance Appraisal Exercise and underscores AEDC’s commitment to building a high-performing, customer-focused workforce.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the initiative reflects the company’s resolve to place employees at the heart of its transformation agenda, stressing that investment in human capital remains critical to achieving sustainable growth.

He described the promotions and salary adjustments as a recognition of diligence, professionalism and commitment, noting that the company would continue to reward excellence while creating opportunities for career advancement.

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According to him, AEDC is intentionally fostering a work environment where merit, innovation, continuous learning and teamwork determine career progression, adding that employee welfare remains a key pillar of the company’s long-term strategy.

“Our people remain our greatest asset and the foundation upon which AEDC’s future will be built. This is more than a reward for performance; it is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence should always be recognised, talent should be nurtured and hard work should create opportunities for growth,” Okwuokenye said.

He explained that the organisation is committed to providing employees with fulfilling career opportunities that enable them to maximise their potential while contributing to AEDC’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading electricity distribution companies.

The AEDC chief also urged employees who were not promoted in the current appraisal cycle to remain committed, assuring them that the company’s performance management system is structured to support continuous improvement, skills development and future career progression.

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AEDC said the promotion and salary increment exercise forms part of its broader strategy to cultivate a performance-driven culture, encourage professionalism and recognise employees who contribute significantly to the company’s growth.

The company added that as it continues to modernise operations, improve electricity service delivery and enhance customer experience, it will sustain investments in staff development to strengthen productivity and reinforce its position as one of Nigeria’s preferred employers in the power sector.

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Suspected Hoodlums Cart Away PVCs At Distribution Centre In Osun

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Some hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Sunday stormed a permanent voter’s card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, the headquarters of the Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state, and carted away two packs of PVCs.

The INEC officials were busy distributing the cards at the Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, when the thugs suddenly arrived and started shooting sporadically into the air, scaring residents and officials, and took two packs of cards and left the venue before police could arrive at the scene.

The spokesperson of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said that about ten armed hoodlums invaded the centre, fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs before fleeing the scene.

Ojelabi disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

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Reacting to the development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, condemned the attack. She said she was to get the detailed report on the attack, adding that she is yet to know the exact number of PVCs carted away by the hoodlums.

The REC, however, assured the people of the state that the governorship election would be free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent.

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