Educator Alex Onyia has expressed deep concern over the wave of suspicion surrounding Chinedu Okeke, the Anambra student who scored a record-breaking 375 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Despite his remarkable feat, Chinedu has been labeled by some as a “mercenary” — a term used to describe individuals who write exams on behalf of others.

The controversy gained traction following rumors that Chinedu is already a student of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Seeking clarity, Onyia spoke directly with Chinedu’s father, Mr. Chris Okeke, and took to social media to set the record straight.

According to Onyia, Chinedu indeed began studying Medicine at UNN in 2021 but struggled deeply with the course, which did not align with his true interests.

“The accusation has really troubled me,” Onyia wrote. “I have been intensely engaging the father, Mr. Chris Okeke, since morning to get the boy’s history.”

He outlined the timeline:

1. Chinedu was admitted into UNN to study Medicine and Surgery in 2021.
2. Over time, he realized the course was not his true calling and faced academic difficulties.
3. In 2024, he failed three subjects in his second MBBS exams, which confirmed to his family that Medicine was not the right path for him.
4. After much discussion, the family agreed that Chinedu would switch to Mechanical Engineering—a field that required Mathematics instead of Biology in JAMB.
5. He moved to Lagos and enrolled at Achievers Academy in Amuwo Odofin, where he prepared thoroughly for the 2025 JAMB. He won several academic awards at the academy.
6. Though affected by the infamous 2025 JAMB systems glitch, he sat for the rescheduled exam and scored 375, the highest score in JAMB history.
7. Onyia added that discrepancies in Chinedu’s profile stemmed from incorrect data migrated from the NIN platform in 2021—a mistake that has since been corrected.
8. He emphasized that Chinedu’s determination to pursue his true passion, despite setbacks, should be celebrated—not questioned.

“We commend Chinedu for his resilience, commitment, and unmatched resolve to pursue his life goals. His story should serve as motivation for students whose first choices don’t work out—try, try again,” Onyia concluded.

He also called on JAMB to conduct a fair investigation and offer a public apology if necessary, rather than fueling doubts about the legitimacy of Chinedu’s extraordinary performance.

A total of 95 female corps members have benefitted from a free three-day entrepreneurship training programme held at the NYSC Lagos Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja.

The initiative, which ran from July 7 to 9, 2025, was organised by the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with the aim of empowering young female entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses.

Participants were offered valuable benefits, including free business name registration, free logo and website design, and mentorship opportunities.

Speaking during the opening session, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity. She noted that empowering a girl child is akin to empowering a nation and stressed that serious commitment to entrepreneurial development could open new doors for them.

The training covered a wide range of business and management topics. On the first day, sessions focused on Growth Planning, Legal and Regulatory Matters, Customer Service Management, Marketing, and Business Strategy.

Day two addressed Operational Management, Human Resource Management, Access to Markets, and Financial Growth Planning.

The final day featured business pitch presentations by corps members, followed by a short examination. All participants were awarded certificates of participation.

The programme is part of a larger national initiative to equip 5,000 female corps members across Nigeria with practical entrepreneurial knowledge and tools, aimed at fostering a new generation of women business leaders.

The Presidency has refuted reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to citizens of the United States.

The clarification comes days after the U.S. government announced a major change to its visa policy for Nigerians, reducing the validity and entry limits for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas.

In a statement released on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described the reports as “misinformation,” insisting that no such directive was issued by President Tinubu.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens. This continues in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity,” Onanuga said.

He explained that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu had instructed all federal agencies to uphold Nigeria’s international agreements and diplomatic principles.

According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also issued a statement addressing the U.S. visa changes, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to mutual respect in diplomatic relations.

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” the statement read.

Onanuga further stated, “The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.”

He dismissed the U.S. claim that its new policy was based on reciprocity, stating it “does not accurately reflect the actual situation.”

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians,” he clarified.

On the new 90-day single-entry visa policy, Onanuga explained it only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas—meant for tourists and business travellers seeking a faster, online process.

“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion,” he said. “The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.”

He said the e-visa initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader push to improve Nigeria’s business environment, attract investment, and promote tourism.

Although Nigeria has extended this streamlined e-visa option to U.S. citizens, the U.S. has yet to offer a similar gesture to Nigerians, he added.

“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” Onanuga said.

Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was seen personally serving food to guests at a public event held today, July 10, 2025.

In viral photos shared online, Obi is dressed in a black native outfit, carrying trays loaded with plates of jollof rice, fried rice, and protein. He is seen distributing meals to seated guests, including elderly women, at a well-attended indoor ceremony decorated with gold-and-white drapes.

The gesture has sparked mixed reactions online. While many applauded his humility and connection to the people, others questioned the motive behind the public display.

One social media user wrote, “Peter Obi is the most relatable politician of our time. No airs, no noise, just service.” Another, more critical voice said, “I haven’t seen a more desperate politician. What’s all this?”

Details about the event are still emerging, but it appears to be a community-oriented gathering attended by various age groups and dignitaries.

The former Anambra State governor has built a public image around simplicity, often making headlines for traveling light, flying economy, and engaging directly with ordinary Nigerians. Today’s appearance adds to that growing narrative of accessibility and grassroots connection.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has claimed former President Goodluck Jonathan tried to remove him as governor of Borno State.

He made the revelation in Abuja on Thursday at the public presentation of a book titled ‘OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigeria Oil Block’, authored by former Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, SAN.

Shettima stated that during the final four years of Jonathan’s administration, he was the most demonized individual and was seen as public enemy number one.

“There are two gentlemen seated here. Certain decisions are taken in a very rare circle. The President, the Vice President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“In one of such conclaves, former President Goodluck Jonathan with whom we have sheathed the sword and have now recalibrated our relationship was muting the idea of removing this Borno governor.

“Aminu Tambuwal, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives had the courage to tell the President that your Excellency, you don’t have the powers to remove an elected councillor.

“The President was still not convinced, he muted the idea at the Federal Executive Council,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President also praise Adoke for his courage, conviction and unwavering commitment to his principles.

“He (Mr Adoke) told the then President that Mr President you do not have the powers to remove a sitting governor not even a councillor.

“They sought for the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who said ‘I’m concurring with the opinion of my senior colleague’.

“That was how the matter was laid to rest but that was how my relationship with Mr Adoke and Aminu Tambuwal became eternally sealed.”

Shettima also commended Adoke for the courage to forgive all those who had offended him in the course of his public duty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 26-chapter book on the OPL 245, also known as Malabu oil deal scandal, centres on a 2011 agreement in which Royal Dutch Shell and Italy’s Eni paid $1.3 billion to acquire Nigeria’s deep-water oil licence.

The oil block is believed to hold nine billion barrels of crude.

Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye has officially been called to the Nigerian Bar, marking his entry into the legal profession.

Melaye celebrated the achievement on Thursday by sharing photos from the ceremony. In one of the images, he is seen wearing a lawyer’s robe and wig. He captioned the post: “Done and dusted.” Another photo featured him alongside fellow lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju.

Back in April, Melaye had announced that he passed the Bar final examinations, writing: “Law school results are out. I made it to the largest bar in Africa. Who did it? God did it.”

He studied law at Baze University in Abuja after previously earning a degree in geography from Ahmadu Bello University.

In 2021, his team had claimed he was the best graduating law student from Baze University, but later reports clarified that he graduated with a second-class lower degree.

Despite the earlier controversy, Melaye has now formally joined the legal profession, becoming one of the few Nigerian politicians to be called to bar after serving in public office.

Known for his flamboyant persona and outspoken political style, Melaye now adds “lawyer” to his list of titles.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday appealed to the National Assembly to pass a law against unexplained wealth, saying Nigeria cannot win the war against corruption without legal backing to hold public officers accountable for assets far beyond their legitimate earnings.

Olukoyede made the appeal at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance organised by the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja.

He described the magnitude of public sector corruption as disturbing.

“In the last three weeks, we started a commission-wide investigation into the extractive industry, particularly the oil and gas sector. What we have discovered is mind-boggling. And we have only just opened the books. So much more corruption is to be unraveled. If this is what we’re seeing at the surface, imagine what lies beneath,” he said.

Olukoyede blamed fiscal rascality and mismanagement of public funds for Nigeria’s economic and security problems.

“There is a strong connection between the mismanagement of our resources and insecurity. When you look at banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, trace them back, and you will find a pattern of corrupt practices and diversion of funds that were meant to improve people’s lives,” he said.

The EFCC chairman lamented how investigations into public officials often stall because the law requires a “predicate offence” such as theft or fraud before assets can be seized.

“Help me pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill. I’ve been begging for the past year. This same Bill was thrown out by the last Assembly. If we don’t make individuals accountable for what they have, we’ll never get it right.

“Someone has worked in a ministry for 20 years. We calculate their entire salary and allowances. Then we find five properties — two in Maitama, three in Asokoro. Yet, we’re told to go and prove a predicate offence before we can act. That is absurd,” he said.

Olukoyede also disclosed that the EFCC secured the conviction of 146 out of 194 foreigners arrested for cybersecurity-related financial crimes in 2024.

The Ogun State Government has debunked recent media reports suggesting that Ogbojionu Ogbonna, a recently released inmate, was wrongly imprisoned for over 20 years simply for purchasing a stolen generator.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, the government clarified that Ogbonna was actually convicted for armed robbery—not for buying a stolen item as widely reported.

Describing the circulating narrative as “entirely fabricated and a tissue of lies,” Ogungbade stated that Ogbonna was sentenced to death on January 14, 2003, by the Ogun State High Court. However, in June 2021, Governor Dapo Abiodun commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment through the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

Ogbonna’s eventual release came in 2025 when he was among several inmates granted clemency by Governor Abiodun as part of activities to mark Democracy Day.

The state government emphasized that contrary to reports involving a man named Segun Ajibade—allegedly the real thief who was pardoned in 2016—there was no evidence linking the two cases or supporting claims that Ogbonna was wrongly imprisoned.

Senegal has officially scrapped plans for singer Akon’s ambitious $6 billion “Akon City” project after years of delays, unmet financial commitments, and no visible construction activity, according to a report by Bloomberg.

First unveiled in 2020, Akon City was promoted as a futuristic, tech-savvy city inspired by Marvel’s Wakanda. The smart city was to be built in Mbodiène, a quiet coastal village, and powered by renewable energy and Akon’s own cryptocurrency, Akoin.

However, five years later, Senegalese authorities have reclaimed the bulk of the 136-acre site initially allocated to the Senegalese-American artist. Officials cited a lack of progress and failure to meet agreed milestones.

“That project no longer exists,” said Serigne Mamadou Mboup, head of SAPCO-Senegal, the government agency responsible for developing coastal and tourism zones, in a statement to the national press agency.

Instead, SAPCO will move forward with a smaller-scale, state-backed tourism project in the same area. The new development is estimated to cost 665 billion CFA francs (around $1.2 billion) and will be largely funded by private investors.

Akon will retain just 8 hectares of the original land allocation, which officials say will be integrated into the broader government-led development.

Aghahowa Collins, an aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo , has declared that only the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be allowed to display campaign materials across the state during the 2027 elections.

In a video shared online, Collins issued a stern warning to individuals or groups planning to promote other political parties, insisting that such actions would come with consequences.

“In 2027, if we see any other political party’s banner or poster that is not APC, the person on it and the person who posted it will learn a new lesson. Edo is APC state and everything has to be APC,” he said.

Collins also recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the then-PDP-led government under Godwin Obaseki allegedly defaced and removed APC campaign posters, including those of President Bola Tinubu. He said the APC intends to take a similar approach in 2027 to assert dominance in the state.