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FG to enforce ban on underage admission in 2025 – Minister
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By Francesca Hangeior
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Thursday, reversed his ban on underage admissions following protests by stakeholders at the 2024 ongoing policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination.
Stakeholders protested the new minimum admission age pegged at 18 years.
Immediately, Prof. Mamman made the announcement, the stakeholders who turned out their members from across tertiary institutions in the country, voiced their resistance which turned the session into a rowdy one.
The minister who was unable to proceed with his address as a result of the uproar, had asked “Are we together?”
However, the stakeholders had responded with a resounding “No!”
The minister who seemed unperturbed with the development, continued with his address as he tried to give reasons for pegging the new admission benchmark at 18.
It took the intervention of the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, to restore order to the policy meeting.
However, after consultations with other stakeholders, Oloyede said, “At the time they (candidates) were taking the examinations, they were not aware. So if we want to enforce it then it should be for subsequent years.”
The minister, however, noted that the ban would be set aside for 2024 admissions.
“Information has revealed that the enrolment of underage candidates is inflicting serious damage on the university and the education system, hence, the need for enforcement of extant rules.
“When I was monitoring the just concluded 2024 UTME, I was alarmed at the participation of a large number of obviously under-age candidates in the examination.
“This necessitated my comment on the need to enforce the extant provisions of the educational policies which made provision for nine years of basic education and three years of Senior Secondary Education before entry into tertiary institution.
“It is clear that a child who, as expected is enrolled in basic school at the age of six and having undergone 12 years of education would be around 18 years old when being enrolled in a tertiary institution.
“Flowing from this, JAMB is hereby instructed to admit only eligible students’ i.e those who have attained 18 years.
“Universities are advised to avoid recommending unqualified children for admission,” he added
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Independence Day: NNPCL Slashes Petrol Price With N66 Discount for Nigerians
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a N66 per litre discount on petrol purchases at its retail outlets nationwide to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The offer, which runs from October 1 to 7, 2026, comes less than 24 hours after the state-owned oil company reduced its petrol pump price to N1,370 per litre.
NNPCL announced the promotional offer in a notice posted on its official X account on Thursday, urging Nigerians to take advantage of the temporary price reduction.
According to the company, customers will enjoy a N66 discount on every litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purchased at participating NNPC Retail stations, provided they make payments through its mobile application.
“N66 off every litre of PMS at NNPC Retail today till 7 October. Pay with the app at any participating station. T&Cs apply,” the company stated.
The latest offer follows a fresh round of petrol price adjustments triggered by a reduction in the gantry price of petrol by the Dangote Refinery.
On Wednesday, NNPCL filling stations in Abuja and neighbouring areas reduced their pump price by N25, bringing the cost of petrol down to N1,370 per litre.
The adjustment came after the Dangote Refinery lowered its gantry price to N1,325 per litre, prompting changes in retail prices across parts of the country.
Similarly, MRS filling stations in Abuja had earlier reduced their petrol pump price to N1,370 per litre.
With the latest price cuts and promotional offer, motorists in Abuja and surrounding areas can now access petrol at varying prices, with pump rates previously ranging between N1,370 and N1,450 per litre.
The NNPCL discount is expected to provide additional relief to motorists during the week-long Independence Day promotion, although customers must use the company’s mobile app and patronise participating outlets to qualify.
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Nigeria Bids Farewell to Reverend Okoye, Ex-Aso Villa Chaplain
National figures, religious leaders, and grieving family members gathered in Abuja on Wednesday to begin funeral rites for Rev. Dr. William Okoye, who passed away aged 74.
The founding General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM) Worldwide was honoured during a solemn Lying in State and Service of Songs at the Church’s Maitama headquarters.
Former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana paid emotional tribute to the late Cleric, highlighting his unwavering devotion to the Christian gospel and his profound influence on national governance.
”He was never ashamed of the Gospel because for him it is the power of God for salvation.
“He proclaimed it very clearly, firmly, and convincingly,” Gana said.
Gana recalled working alongside Okoye as a spiritual advisor under the presidential administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, emphasising his absolute fearlessness before leaders.
”Every morning at 6 a.m., he would pick me for prayer with the president. He was ready to speak truth to power. Nigeria has lost a giant,” Gana added.
Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, reflected fondly on Okoye’s pioneering role during the early days of the Federal Capital Territory’s development.
”When he started here to gather people in Abuja to pray on Sundays, there were no churches here. People in Lagos thought the new capital was not serious,” Onaiyekan recalled.
The Cardinal noted that what began as a humble fellowship grew into a massive global movement through Okoye’s vision and commitment to community building.
”What I remember him for is somebody who sees a need and does something to fill it.
“That little seed planted has now grown into a big tree,” Onaiyekan stated.
Rev. Moses Aransiola, National Director of Nigeria Prays, praised the late clergyman for prioritising moral integrity over personal gain throughout his 52-year ministry.
”He did not value material things above integrity, commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness.
“To be a pastor to two sitting presidents is a real opportunity God gave him,” he said.
Aransiola urged Nigerians to emulate Okoye’s steadfast character, noting that he lived an uncompromised life that earned him national respect.
”When everybody is chasing after compromising their lives and integrity, God brought honour to Reverend Okoye easily. It pays to live a life of legacy,” he added.
In a joint tribute, the children of Okoye remembered him not only as a renowned public minister, but as a devoted, loving, and humorous father.
”Daddy lived his faith daily. We remember a busy man who still made time for his family, took us on vacations, and filled our home with laughter,” his children shared.
They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding their father’s principle: “Labour hard, consume little, give much, and all to Christ,” while guarding the family name.
”He may not have left us great material wealth, but he left us something far more enduring: his name, his faith, his values, and his example,” they added.
The family announced that Rev. Okoye’s vision would be preserved through the William and Helen Heritage Foundation, honouring both him and his late wife, Evangelist Helen Okoye.
TheNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports the events continue in Abuja with a Night of Tributes on Oct. 2 at the National Christian Centre, before moving to Agulu, Anambra State, for interment on Oct. 9.
The deceased is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, including Mr Victor Okoye, a journalist with theNews Agency of Nigeria(NAN), and the entire ACFM family.
Born in September 1951, the former Aso Villa Chapel Chaplain died on July 15, at the National Hospital in Abuja.
The Cleric will be buried on Oct. 9 in his country home, Amatutu Village, Agulu, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, after a week-long funeral programme.(NAN)
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