In fact, some private universities don’t have more than 500 students. “Many people who set up these private tertiary institutions believe that it is a business venture. “But people don’t know that when you start a private university, it will take you between seven and 10 years to break even. So you can imagine how many universities will need to cater for the number that the National Open University is doing today,” he stated. Beyond tertiary education, Jegede expressed concern over the declining state of unity schools, particularly Federal Government Colleges, attributing much of the problem to insecurity.

JUSTICE Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court on Thursday ordered the British government to pay £20 million each to the families of the 21 coal miners killed in Enugu State in 1949 by the Colonial masters. This led to the British superintendent to shoot and kill 21 coal miners and injured 51 others. Delivering the judgment, Onovo described the massacre as unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the right to life, holding British colonial administration liable, and ordered substantial compensation, formal apologies, and diplomatic action. ALSO READ: Senate rejects electronic transmission of election resultsHe held that the British government must be held accountable and must make reparations to the families of the 21 coal miners. “This defenceless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions; they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, yet were shot and killed.

US President Donald Trump bows his head in prayer during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC on February 5, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)US President Donald Trump on Thursday described Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, as a very respected woman. Trump gave the acknowledgement while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. He said he was honoured to have Mrs Tinubu, who he described as a pastor in Nigeria’s largest church, in attendance at the prayer breakfast. Mrs Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which is among Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal denominations.

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has condemned the killing of over 100 civilians in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, describing the attack as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to national security. The killings occurred late on Tuesday when gunmen attacked two communities in the area. The Kwara State Government said the assailants opened fire after residents refused to surrender to extremists preaching what it described as a strange doctrine. Adams renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that a decentralised security structure could have neutralised the attack. A state police system would strengthen security presence and operational capacity in vulnerable areas, improve collaboration with local communities for early warning signals, and enhance rapid response mechanisms to deter and confront threats swiftly,” he said.

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention slated for next month, the National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Thursday. Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, the APC chairman said he came to brief President Tinubu on preparations for the proposed convention. “Same timetable, the same planning activities, but just to study the environment and review our preparation as a party and ensure inclusivity. We want to ensure that in the course of this growth, nobody is left behind.”The APC National Chairman said his meeting with President Tinubu was fruitful, noting that the President offered valuable counsel that would ensure a seamless process leading to the national convention. “The expansion, the growth, is because of his experience and his depth of knowledge in the political cycle.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday clarified the presence of troops from the United States of America in Nigeria, stating that it is based on a mutual agreement between both countries. The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria. ALSO READ: FG launches 10-year initiative to tackle preventable blindness“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States. This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States, reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes. “Engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.”

The Kano State Hisbah Board has organised a one-day capacity-building seminar for members of its female provost unit as part of efforts to strengthen their operational skills and improve service delivery across the state. Speaking at the seminar, the Deputy Commandant for Female Matters, Dr Khadija Sagir Sulaiman, who was represented by Malama Fatima Ahmad Tsakuwa, described the Female Provost Unit as one of the most critical arms of the board. ALSO READ: Kano Hisbah receives 12,446 complaints in 2025She said the Qur’anic recitation was aimed at seeking divine protection and blessings for Kano State and the country. At the end of the seminar, participants were urged to apply the knowledge and lessons gained during the training in carrying out their daily responsibilities. The Hisbah Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustained training and empowerment programmes for female provost members to further improve their overall effectiveness.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned against any planned invasion or takeover of the Ikirun Palace, directing security agencies to immediately mobilise and secure the palace grounds. ALSO READ: Ignoring history fuels tyranny, Soyinka warns“Any attempt to disturb the peace of Ikirun will not be tolerated by our government. “I restored peace to the Ikirun community through an executive order, and it is only through my executive order that the palace can be reopened. I hereby direct security agencies to secure the palace and prevent any illegal takeover of the palace. All efforts should be deployed to sustain and maintain peace in Ikirun,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has condemned the recent terrorist attacks on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, and has called for calm while assuring Nigerians of the military’s commitment to safeguarding citizens. In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Major Gen Samaila Uba, the military high command expressed profound shock over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the recent cowardly terrorist attacks on the communities. According to it, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commends the indomitable Nigerian spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists. According to it, “the unity and resilience of the Nigerian people are our greatest defence against those who seek to destroy our peace and stability. The DHQ calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional identity, to resist any form of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups.

The Pan-African Writers’ Association (PAWA) has decorated the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, with the prestigious Noble Patron of the Arts Award. ALSO READ: I’ve fulfilled my vision of establishing ABUAD — Afe BabalolaHe also reaffirmed PAWA’s resolve to intensify advocacy for the inclusion of African literary works in educational curricula, the promotion of African languages, and the translation of African literature into indigenous African languages. “It is in fulfilment of this objective that we identified our Baba, Aare Afe Babalola, as someone worthy of our honour and adulation. As many of us are aware, Aare Afe Babalola has paid his dues, having served at various times as a pupil teacher, secondary school teacher, vice-principal, university lecturer, economist, auditor, administrator, farmer and educationist. “Aare Babalola has capped this long and meritorious service with the founding of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), an institution which boasts a beautiful campus, first-class infrastructure and an enviable record of producing generations of graduates, scholars and professionals.

A UK court has sentenced a 40-year-old man, Adedapo Adegbola, to life imprisonment for the murder of his former girlfriend, 23-year-old university student, Steph Irons, in Nottingham, England, The Irish Sun reports on Thursday. Prosecutors told the court that Adegbola became obsessed with Irons after the breakup and planned the attack. The police said the suspect travelled through several towns, including Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield and Hull, before eventually handing himself over to officers. Delivering judgment, the court sentenced Adegbola to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years after he pleaded guilty to murder. “I want to thank Miss Irons’ family for the incredible strength that they have shown through this process.

The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday said that it had arrested four persons over the abduction of a woman in the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state. The victim, a school proprietor, Mrs Tomiola Oladehinde, was abducted by unknown gunmen at the entrance of her house in the community last Sunday evening. The incident reportedly occurred when the kidnappers stormed the area and attacked the victim’s vehicle, after which she was whisked away. He said, “On Thursday, January 29, 2026, acting on proactive and credible intelligence, vigilant members of the Ilu-Abo community apprehended one Abenaguna Muhammad, male, found in possession of various criminal charms. “This arrest followed intensive intelligence-driven operations launched by the command after the violent incident of January 25, 2026, during which armed assailants attacked residents at Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, shot a victim, abducted another, and injured two others.

Ademola Lookman plays his debut in Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Real Betis on February 5, 2026New Atlético Madrid forward, Ademola Lookman, marked his debut for the Spanish club with a goal on Thursday, netting the third strike in their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Real Betis at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Atlético coach Diego Simeone had hinted on Wednesday at the possibility of handing Lookman his debut in the fixture. We’re going to need them, and we’ll work together to finish the season in the best way possible,” Simeone said, via Spidy Atlético. As a result, the Copa del Rey represents Atlético’s most realistic route to silverware this season, although they must first overcome Betis. I’m happy to join Atlético de Madrid, a massive club with rich history and passion,” Lookman wrote on X.

The Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Party in Benin was, on Wednesday night, attacked by suspected thugs. I immediately contacted security agencies to help put out the fire. Security agencies must remain neutral and do the needful,” he added. Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, SP Eno Ikoedem, said suspected hoodlums invaded the party’s premises and damaged property. The Obidient Movement in the state recently partnered with the ADC to strengthen the party’s structure and presence in Edo State.

The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun (c), after regaining freedom from captivity in Kwara State. Photo: Dare AkogunThe Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid an additional N12m ransom to secure his release. A family source, who spoke with PUNCH Online on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the development, saying prolonged negotiations led to the traditional ruler’s release. However, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release of the monarch but denied knowledge of any ransom payment. Two weeks after the abduction, Olaolu was released following the payment of N20m ransom after prolonged negotiations between the family and the kidnappers.