Nigeria News (Standard)
Education Minister Commends UNIBEN’s ₦100bn Sustainable Funding Drive in Edo State
Federal government says initiative will boost university autonomy and research as sector faces funding shortfalls nationwide
Federal government says initiative will boost university autonomy and research as sector faces funding shortfalls nationwide
The Minister of Education has praised the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State for launching a ₦100 billion sustainable funding initiative aimed at strengthening the institution’s financial base. The minister gave the commendation on Friday, describing the move as a significant step towards ensuring long-term stability and academic excellence at one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.
According to details released by UNIBEN management, the funding drive is designed to attract resources from alumni, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to address infrastructural needs and support research activities. The university said this approach is intended to reduce over-reliance on federal allocations, which have been shrinking due to competing national priorities and economic challenges.
Nigeria’s public universities have faced repeated disruptions caused by underfunding, often resulting in strikes and delayed academic calendars. Experts in the education sector say innovative funding models like UNIBEN’s could set an example for other institutions struggling with budgetary constraints. The government has repeatedly called for universities to seek alternative revenue sources as part of broader reforms.
The education minister noted that such efforts are key to achieving greater institutional autonomy and improved standards across Nigeria’s higher education landscape. “This initiative shows the commitment of UNIBEN leadership to finding homegrown solutions,” he said during an official visit. The university administration also urged its alumni network and corporate organisations to support the fund for lasting impact.
Stakeholders expect that if successful, UNIBEN’s ₦100 billion project could encourage similar drives at other federal and state universities. Government said it will continue working with institutions seeking creative pathways out of persistent funding shortfalls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Orders Enhanced Security at NIPSS After Fatal Jos Attack
Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation
Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to reinforce measures at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, after a fatal attack claimed lives on the institute’s premises. The directive was issued on Friday, 19 June 2026, amid rising concern over safety at Nigeria’s top policy training institution.
According to presidency sources, the order came in response to a recent incident in which armed men breached the NIPSS campus, resulting in casualties among staff and visitors. Security operatives have since been deployed to bolster defences around the institute’s facility, with investigations underway to identify those responsible for the assault.
The attack has heightened anxiety within Plateau State and across Nigeria’s academic community, as NIPSS serves as a key centre for strategic government policy research and leadership development. The incident also raises fresh questions about persistent insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups continue despite ongoing military operations.
A statement from the presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding national institutions and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Government is treating this incident with utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “All necessary resources have been mobilised to protect lives and restore confidence at NIPSS.” Security agencies in Plateau State have launched an investigation but had yet to release further details as at press time.
While opposition figures are yet to issue a formal response, some policy experts called for broader reforms of campus security nationwide. The presidency said it will review existing protocols at federal institutions. Further updates are expected once preliminary findings from security operatives become available.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Experts at Abuja Summit Urge Full Adoption of Green Economy in Nigeria by 2026
Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges
Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges
Environmental experts and policymakers have called for the urgent implementation of a comprehensive green economy strategy across Nigeria, citing the country’s rising environmental and economic risks. The call was made on Friday, 19 June 2026, during the National Environmental Summit and Technology (NEST) conference held in Abuja.
Participants at the summit emphasised that a shift towards a green economy is vital if Nigeria hopes to address pressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, and over-reliance on fossil fuels. The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations to deliberate on practical measures that could accelerate the nation’s transition to sustainable development models.
Nigeria continues to face significant environmental challenges linked to unchecked urbanisation and industrial activities. Experts at the summit noted that these issues have direct implications for public health, food security, and economic stability. They argued that adopting green economy principles—such as investing in renewable energy, promoting waste recycling, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations—would help create new jobs and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
During panel discussions, participants called on federal and state governments to prioritise policy reforms that would incentivise investment in clean technologies. They also urged the National Assembly to expedite passage of pending bills aimed at strengthening environmental governance. “There is an urgent need for robust collaboration between all sectors if we are serious about tackling climate change and building resilience into our economy,” one speaker said during the plenary session.
The conference concluded with a communique outlining recommendations for government action ahead of NEST 2027. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with committed leadership and public support, Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in green innovation while meeting its international climate obligations.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Jails Terrorist Kingpin’s Mother, Sister for 20 Years Each over Terror Charges
Landmark judgement comes as government intensifies crackdown on terrorism; human rights groups call for due process
Landmark judgement comes as government intensifies crackdown on terrorism; human rights groups call for due process
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday sentenced the mother and sister of a notorious terrorist kingpin to 20 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences. The court delivered its verdict on 19 June, following a lengthy trial that drew national attention to ongoing anti-terrorism efforts in Nigeria.
According to court proceedings, both women were convicted for their roles in supporting the operations of their relative, identified by authorities as a major figure in organised terrorist activities across the country. The prosecution presented evidence indicating that the duo provided material assistance and facilitated communication for the kingpin, actions which the judge ruled violated Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
This development marks one of the stiffest sentences handed down to family members of suspected terrorists in recent years, underlining government’s resolve to dismantle support networks aiding criminal groups. Security experts say such convictions are rare but could serve as a warning to individuals enabling terrorism either directly or indirectly.
While government officials have welcomed the court’s decision, some human rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure all suspects receive fair hearings and that convictions are based strictly on evidence. A spokesperson for one advocacy group stated that respect for due process remains vital in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
With this judgement, security agencies are expected to intensify investigations into other suspected collaborators linked to armed groups operating within and outside Nigeria. Legal analysts note that future cases may test how far courts are willing to go in prosecuting those who aid or abet terrorist activities.
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