Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Declares June 29–July 3 National Learning Assessment Week in All States
Education Ministry rolls out first nationwide test to measure literacy and numeracy, urges full cooperation from schools
Education Ministry rolls out first nationwide test to measure literacy and numeracy, urges full cooperation from schools
The Federal Government has set Monday, June 29, to Friday, July 3, 2026, as National Learning Assessment (NLA) Week, marking the first ever nationwide evaluation of learning outcomes across basic education schools in Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja as part of ongoing reforms to address persistent gaps in foundational skills among Nigerian pupils.
According to the ministry, the assessment will not serve as a certification exam but will instead focus on measuring system-wide delivery in core areas such as literacy and numeracy. The exercise is expected to involve both public and private basic education schools nationwide, with coordination from state education authorities and examination bodies. A pilot phase had earlier been conducted in Benue, Gombe, Jigawa, Enugu, Delta and Oyo states to test tools and operational readiness ahead of the national rollout.
Nigeria’s education sector has long grappled with challenges such as high numbers of out-of-school children and uneven learning outcomes across geopolitical zones. The NLA is designed to provide data-driven insights into what children are actually learning in classrooms, which officials say will help shape future policies and improve teacher training. “This assessment is a critical step towards ensuring no learner is left behind,” a senior official at the Ministry of Education said during a press briefing.
The ministry added that findings from the assessment would inform curriculum reviews and support ongoing digital reforms like learner tracking systems. Educators across the country have been urged to cooperate fully with authorities during the week-long exercise. “We are calling on all stakeholders—school administrators, teachers, parents—to give their maximum support so we can get an accurate picture of our system’s strengths and weaknesses,” the official noted.
Operational guidelines detailing participation requirements and logistics are expected to be released by relevant agencies in coming days. Schools have been advised to commence final preparations ahead of NLA Week as government intensifies efforts to improve accountability in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/fg-national-learning-assessment-week-2026061909455596679
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nnamdi Kanu, Former Ally Announce Rival Leadership in IPOB Amidst Fresh Dispute
Conflicting claims over Indigenous People of Biafra’s top post spark confusion among supporters and raise fresh questions about succession
Conflicting claims over Indigenous People of Biafra’s top post spark confusion among supporters and raise fresh questions about succession
A fresh leadership tussle has erupted within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and a former close ally have separately announced changes to the group’s top hierarchy. The development, which unfolded on Friday, has thrown IPOB’s command structure into uncertainty, especially across its strongholds in the South-East.
The disagreement began when Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention facing trial by the federal government, reportedly issued a directive replacing certain key officers within IPOB. Shortly after, a prominent former disciple of Kanu released a contradictory statement claiming to have assumed leadership of the group and announcing an alternative set of appointments.
This open rift marks one of the most public succession disputes within IPOB since Kanu’s arrest and ongoing trial on charges related to treasonable felony. The situation has heightened anxiety among members and observers about the direction of the separatist movement at a time when security agencies are maintaining a heavy presence across several South-East states.
Neither side has released detailed explanations for their actions. However, supporters loyal to Kanu insist he remains the authentic leader regardless of his incarceration. Meanwhile, followers of the former disciple argue that decisive action was needed to keep IPOB operational given Kanu’s prolonged absence from direct leadership.
The federal government has not issued an official statement regarding the latest leadership crisis. Political analysts note that internal disputes could affect IPOB’s influence and operational capacity in coming months. Many South-East residents are watching closely for possible fallout or further security clampdowns as tensions persist.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Arsenal to Face Coventry City in Premier League Opener as 2026/27 Fixtures Released
Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials
Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials
Arsenal will kick off their campaign to retain the Premier League title with an opening fixture against Coventry City, following the official release of the 2026/27 season fixtures on Friday. The defending champions are set to travel to Coventry for their first match as the league unveiled the full schedule for all twenty clubs.
According to details provided by Premier League organisers, Arsenal’s opening clash with Coventry marks a high-profile start, pitting last season’s winners against a newly promoted side eager to impress on their return to top-flight football. The fixture is one of several headline matches slated for the opening weekend, with other clubs also learning their paths for the coming season.
The announcement comes amid heightened anticipation among fans and stakeholders, as Arsenal look to build on their successful previous campaign. For Coventry City, who secured promotion from the Championship last season, facing Arsenal at home represents both a challenge and an opportunity to make a statement early in the league.
Premier League officials said the fixture list was designed to balance competitiveness and ensure teams have adequate rest between matches. “Every new season brings fresh excitement and challenges,” a league spokesperson stated while unveiling the fixtures in London. Reactions from club supporters have been swift on social media, with many highlighting key clashes that could shape the title race and relegation battle.
With pre-season preparations already underway for most clubs, attention will now turn to player transfers and tactical adjustments ahead of the August kick-off. Arsenal’s opener against Coventry is expected to draw significant attention from fans across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting growing interest in English football within the country.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Council of Imams Condoles Police Command After Bomb Attack Kills Officers in Gusau
Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters
Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters
A delegation from the Council of Imams (Zawiyya Branch), led by Khalifa Ibrahim Sheik Balarabe, paid a condolence visit to Zamfara State Police Command headquarters in Gusau on Wednesday after a recent bomb attack claimed the lives of police officers on duty. The religious leaders visited to sympathise with the Command’s leadership and bereaved families affected by the tragic incident.
The Imams were received by Commissioner of Police Ahmad Muhammad Bello and members of the management team. During the visit, Khalifa Balarabe led special prayers (Du’a) for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and for comfort for their families. He condemned the attack, stating that killing innocent people was against Islamic teachings which promote peace, justice, brotherhood, and respect for human life.
The Council expressed deep sympathy to both the police authorities and bereaved families, urging them to remain steadfast in faith during this period. The delegation emphasised that such violence undermines efforts to maintain peace and security in Zamfara State and called on residents to support security agencies as they respond to ongoing threats.
Commissioner Bello thanked the religious leaders for their show of solidarity and assured them that police would continue working with all stakeholders to restore normalcy in affected communities. He reiterated that investigations into the attack were ongoing and that security measures had been strengthened across vulnerable areas in Zamfara.
The bomb attack comes amid ongoing security challenges facing Zamfara State in Nigeria’s North-West zone. Authorities have repeatedly called for community support and cooperation as efforts continue to tackle armed attacks targeting security personnel and civilians alike.
