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Tinubu Knocks Critics Over Student Loan Scheme
President Bola Tinubu has knocked scholars and critics of the student loan scheme introduced by his administration, saying that the scheme would be pursued with all intent in the interest of Nigerian students.
The president noted that the student loan scheme was introduced to give equal access to quality education by the students, especially the vulnerable ones towards competing with their counterparts across the world.
Tinubu who spoke at the weekend during the eighth convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) expressed displeasure to critics of the scheme, calling on them to offer advice and suggestions on how to improve it.
The high point of the ceremony was the conferment of honourary degree of the university on the senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Doctor of Public Law); Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola( Doctor of Accounting) and the Chairman House of Representatives committee on Navy, Yusuf Gadji (Doctor of Political Science)
Represented by the deputy senate president, Senator Jibril Barau, the president said education remains a crucial aspect of his agenda for the socio-economic development of the country, assuring stakeholders that his administration would ensure, “ education is accessible by all willing Nigerians through pragmatic funding and realistic policies.”
“ Student loan schemes are not rocket science initiatives, they are designed to grant access to all who are willing and who know the value of education in a way to take the burden off numerous individuals and communities who may have been intervening painfully in sending their wards to school.
“ I expect that scholars would advise the government by calling our attention to how best this could be managed in their respective institutions, rather than cast aspersions on the idea.
“ By the grace of the Almighty God, there is no going back on the student loan scheme because we are not ready to compromise good standards in education.”
He encouraged FUOYE and other institutions in the country to be above board in contributing to the development of the country with cutting-edge research and embrace the realities of a twenty-first century where technology is taking the lead.
“ Institutions of higher learning must recognize the next possible disruptions that technology may bring and must be properly positioned to mitigate the challenges and must from time to time take charge of innovations.
“ Without education playing this catalytic role, not much development can be recorded in any nation in this century. Universities in particular should be the vanguard of research, teaching, and community service in line with the tripartite mandate,” Tinubu said.
On his part, the chancellor of FUOYE, the Attah of Igala land, Dr Mattew Opaluwa said the Vice-chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina since his assumption in 2021, and his team, “ have brought exemplary leadership, innovation, transparency and a spirit of welfarism to advance the visions of the founding fathers.
On the challenges of funding, the chancellor called on stakeholders, especially private individuals to support the N50 billion endowment fund of the university,” to reposition FUOYE in its statutory role of providing a bedrock for the future growth and development of Nigeria.
The Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji called on universities in the country to prioritise research efforts aimed at tackling critical challenges confronting the nation as well as producing graduates who are solution providers.
Governor Oyebanji stressed the need for institutions to produce graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle the pressing problems of the country head-on.
He justified the importance of nurturing a generation of problem solvers poised to drive sustainable development, urging universities to revamp their curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship that could provide solutions to the problems of this country.
“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution but I plead with you sir, university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produce solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country,” the Governor said.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, the Senate majority leader, Senator Bamidele said they valued the honour conferred on them by the university and expressed their profound appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon them
He said the honorary degree conferred on them serves as testament to their dedication, achievement, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.
Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.
Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.
According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.
“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.
The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.
Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.
The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.
Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.
The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
News
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.
This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:
“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.
“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.
“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.
“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.
” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.
“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.
“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.
“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.
“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.
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VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”
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