IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that the government has scrapped the Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) system, clarifying that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, only proposed a 12-year basic education system.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry, through its Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, described reports of an immediate policy change as inaccurate, stating that the proposal is still under review by the National Council on Education (NCE).

“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Minister of Education presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposed reform seeks to introduce 12 years of compulsory education while maintaining the 6-3-3 structure,” the statement read.

The ministry further explained that one key aspect of the proposal is to remove the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing students to transition smoothly without external assessments at that stage. However, the plan remains subject to further deliberations.

To ensure informed decision-making, the ministry announced plans to engage key stakeholders over the next eight months, including education policymakers, state governments, teachers, and parents. A final decision is expected to be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.

The ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports, emphasizing that the Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices. 

The Ogun State Government has arraigned nine associates of controversial singer Portable for allegedly assaulting government officials, while the artist himself is reportedly on the run.

The suspects appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing five charges, including armed violence, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill. They allegedly attacked officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development at Portable’s Odogwu Bar in Sango-Ota.

According to Police Prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the defendants—armed with cutlasses and guns—assaulted town planners who were enforcing the sealing of Portable’s uncompleted hotel and building for lacking proper permits. The singer was accused of leading the attack but is currently at large.

The court granted the suspects N5 million bail each, requiring registered bond agents as sureties. The case was adjourned to March 17 for hearing. 

Manchester City will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League, while Arsenal have been drawn against Real Madrid. Women's Super League champions Chelsea will travel to City for the first leg before hosting Gareth Taylor's side in the second leg.

Arsenal, winners of the competition's previous format in 2007, will host the second leg against Real Madrid after qualifying as group winners. It is the first time that three English teams have progressed to the last-16 stage. Should Arsenal progress, they will avoid meeting a fellow English team until the final as they have been drawn against the winners of Bayern Munich versus Lyon in the semi-finals.

Chelsea or City will face the winners of the tie between two-time German winners Wolfsburg and current holders Barcelona. The draw means Chelsea and City will face each another four times within the space of 12 days across three competitions. The two clubs meet in the League Cup final on 15 March and again in the WSL on 23 March.

The Champions League quarter-final first leg will be held before the WSL match, either on 18 or 19 March, with the second leg on either 26 or 27 March.The semi-final first legs are scheduled for 19 or 20 April, with the second legs on 26 or 27 April. 

Women's Champions League quarter-finals

Manchester City v Chelsea

Real Madrid v Arsenal

Wolfsburg v Barcelona

Bayern Munich v Lyon

Women's Champions League knockout dates

Quarter-finals

First leg: 18/19 March

Second leg: 26/27 March

Semi-finals

First leg: 19/20 April

Second leg: 26/27 April 

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has appointed sports management expert, Blessing Ekwe Chisalam, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a strategic move aimed at advancing the sport’s growth in the country. Ms. Blessing, a passionate sports scientist, holds a master’s degree in sports management and has a strong background in sports administration. Her expertise comes at a time when Nigerian badminton is experiencing rapid development, both at the grassroots and international levels.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has emphasized the need for sustained efforts to build on these achievements, stating that the BFN must “not rest on its oars” as the sport continues to gain momentum. BFN President, Francis Orbih, expressed confidence in Ms. Blessing’s appointment, highlighting her qualifications and alignment with the federation’s vision:

“We need someone who can project badminton with a positive image and align with our dreams and aspirations as a federation. Ms. Blessing is highly competent, a sports scientist with a master’s degree in sports management, and understands the physiology of the sports ecosystem. Her appointment will be instrumental in driving the growth of badminton in Nigeria.” As COO, Ms. Blessing will focus on expanding the sport’s outreach, enhancing its economic appeal, and improving administration and competition structures within the federation. With her extensive experience, she is expected to play a key role in strengthening Nigerian badminton’s operations in line with the National Sports Commission’s strategic objectives.

Her appointment signals a new era for badminton in Nigeria, as the federation aims to cement its place among the leading sports organizations in the country. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stated that none of the 30 proposals for new states have met the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution.

In a statement issued on Friday by his media office, Kalu clarified that the parliament has not taken a position on the matter but remains committed to following due process.

He explained that the creation of a new state requires a two-thirds majority approval from the Senate, House of Representatives, state houses of assembly, and local governments. Since the current proposals fall short of these criteria, applicants have been invited to resubmit their requests after ensuring full compliance with the constitutional guidelines.

“We are a people’s parliament, and we have not taken a stance on state creation,” Kalu said. He emphasized that 30 applications, not 31, were received, noting that Ibadan State was mistakenly listed twice.

“As of now, none of these proposals meet Section 8 requirements, which is why we are notifying Nigerians. If state creation requests are not considered, the public should understand the reason,” he added.

Applicants have until March 5 to address the deficiencies in their submissions. 

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward transforming Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university, as lawmakers passed a bill for its second reading during Thursday’s plenary session. The bill, titled "An Act to Establish the Michael Okpara University, Umudike to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters," was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate, co-sponsor Hon. Kelechi Nwogu highlighted the need to expand the university’s mandate beyond agriculture. Established in 1992 as a specialized institution under the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, the lawmaker argued that a conventional university status would enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration across diverse fields such as engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Hon. Nwogu further explained that integrating agricultural studies with engineering could drive innovations in mechanized farming, while partnerships with health sciences could advance research into nutrition and food security.

"As an institution primarily focused on agricultural sciences, MOUAU has contributed significantly to Nigeria's agricultural development. However, broadening its scope to include diverse disciplines would amplify its impact across multiple domains," he stated.

According to him, transitioning to a conventional university would bring several advantages, including:

Diversified Academic Programs: 

The institution could introduce courses in Arts, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities, attracting a more diverse student population.

Enhanced Research Opportunities: 

Programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental sciences would prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.

Increased Funding Prospects: 

A broader academic focus could unlock funding from organizations that support disciplines beyond agriculture, including grants for research in technology, medicine, and social sciences.

Improved Global Recognition: Conventional universities often rank higher due to their wider educational and societal impact.

Following deliberations, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put the bill to a voice vote, after which it was passed and referred to the Committee on University Education for further legislative action.

The move marks a crucial step toward reshaping the educational landscape of Michael Okpara University, positioning it for greater academic and research impact on both national and global scales.