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FG Opens Portal For N50m Student Innovation Grant

The Federal Government has launched the application portal for the Student Venture Capital Grant, a national program designed to support student-led innovations with equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations on Monday.

At the launch, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the initiative was central to the government’s innovation drive.

In his words, “The President has challenged us to look for the next Moonshot within our tertiary institutions.

“We are not just looking for projects; we are scouting for future Nigerian Unicorns whose roots will be planted right here in our universities and colleges.

“This is an equity-free seed investment in Nigeria’s future.”

The ministry said the grant is targeted at students building innovations in STEMM fields, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences.
It was stated that the initiative is designed to “ignite and support student-driven innovation by funding ventures that address real-world challenges with clear potential for scale and commercialisation.”

It added that successful applicants will be placed in a full support system that includes incubation, mentorship and access to tools.

The ministry also announced a partnership with Google to strengthen the programme’s evaluation process.

It stated that one of the objectives is to ensure that “our students begin their entrepreneurial journey with the very best tools available globally. We are building a powerful innovation funnel from idea to market domination.”

The statement further explained that Google’s Gemini AI will power automated evaluation on the portal, and that every applicant will receive a free one-year Gemini Pro licence and premium learning resources.

The portal for applications is now open at svcg.education.gov.ng, and students in accredited tertiary institutions are encouraged to apply.

According to the ministry, applicants are advised to submit proposals that demonstrate “scalability, market relevance, and potential to solve critical national or global challenges.”

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Nigerian Truck Driver Found De@d Inside A Truck In US

Bode Moses Ologan, a 48-year-old Nigerian truck driver, has been discovered d3ad inside a truck in Texas, USA.

The incident occurred on November 7, 2025.

Ologan, from Owo in Ondo State, lived in Arlington, Texas with his three children.

Associates of the deceased had set up a GoFundMe account on November 8 to raise funds for his funeral.

In a GoFundMe appeal titled “Help Bode Ologan’s Family in Their Grief,” created by Omolade Adeduro, Ologan was described as a father of three.

“Hello, the family and friends of Bode Ologan regret to announce his death on Friday, November 7th, 2025. He lived a fulfilling life and left behind three children: Semilore, Semilogo, and Semilola. Please help his children and family raise money for his funeral arrangements and other necessary expenses. Any amount is appreciated. May his soul rest in peace,” the appeal read.

A check by LIB on Monday, November 17 showed that $5,053 had been raised from about 69 donors, while the family is hoping to raise $30,000 ahead of the burial scheduled for November 20.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from friends, acquaintances, and members of the Arlington community.

A lawyer, Emem Akpabio revealed that the deceased was her first client and she had helped him obtain full custody of his kids.

“Just got notified that my very first client, and loving father of three whom I obtained sole custody of his kids some 8 years ago, passed away and was found in his truck somewhere in Texas,” she wrote.

Another Facebook user who claimed to be an acquaintance, Josely Pueten, wrote, “I just received a phone call about him. He was one of our tenants here in Arlington. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I know I got that call for a reason. I’m so sorry for his passing.”

Aboukia Fessibay, wrote, “Bode has gone too soon; so sad to see this of his passing to the great beyond. May God be with his children and the rest of his beloved family and friends.” 

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NYSC Releases Batch C Deployment Details For Prospective Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps has announced the deployment postings for prospective members of the 2025 Batch C.

The scheme announced this on Monday via its official X handle, confirming that call-up letters are now available.

It added that some prospective corps members posted to Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory have been assigned to undergo their orientation in neighbouring states.

According to the NYSC, “some prospective corps members deployed to Lagos have their orientation course in Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Ogun and Osun camps,” while “some deployed to FCT will be in Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa camps.”

This development aligns with an earlier report by PUNCH Online, in which the NYSC stated that camp capacity constraints across the 36 states and the FCT mean that “only about 40 per cent of registered Prospective Corps Members can be accommodated for the upcoming orientation programme.”

The scheme also issued a travel advisory, stressing, “Prospective corps members are advised not to travel at night to the orientation camp.”

It further reminded PCMs to print and sign all required documents ahead of camp, noting that the forms must be submitted during registration at the orientation camp.

Last week, it was reported that the NYSC released call-up numbers for the 2025 Batch C stream.

Online registration opened on November 4 and was scheduled to run until November 9 for both locally trained and foreign-trained graduates.

The scheme also published its mobilisation timetable, indicating that pre-camp physical verification for foreign-trained graduates would hold from November 9–13, while ICT processing was scheduled for November 12–15.

Corps-producing institutions, it added, are to facilitate online printing and physical distribution of deployment and call-up letters between November 16 and 18, during which PCMs are expected to print their call-up letters.

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15% Fuel Tariff U-Turn Unacceptable – Group Urges Total Ban On Petrol Imports

The Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP) has criticised the Federal Government’s reversal of the recently introduced 15 percent tariff on imported petroleum products, describing the decision as a setback to the country’s economic reform agenda.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its co-convener, Comrade Olamide Odumosu, the organisation said the tariff was a “wise, courageous and legally sound decision” rooted in the Petroleum Industry Act, which envisaged Nigeria’s liberation from decades of dependence on fuel importation.

Odumosu claimed the policy reversal was driven by a false narrative that Nigeria lacks the capacity to meet domestic fuel needs, insisting that local players could sustain the country for at least 90 days in the event of an emergency.

PANEP dismissed concerns that a 15 per cent import tariff would lead to price hikes or a supply crisis, insisting that Nigeria would be better served by completely banning fuel importation to dismantle entrenched cartels allegedly benefiting from the current system.

The organisation alleged that much of the imported fuel is of poor quality, facilitated by the complicity or negligence of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.

 

PANEP further claimed that some sectoral interests, including unions and associations, have consistently undermined the success of local refining.

The statement read in part: “Nigeria should ban petroleum product importation as a means of seizing oxygen to the oil cartel, who import very bad and poor quality products into the country, knowing that the regulator, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is nonchalant about the quality of imported products.

“As an organisation, we are not against any player in the oil sector, but it is high time we forced this petroleum products importation cabal to embrace productivity. They should build refineries or form a cooperative to acquire the public refineries and be players in a productive downstream petroleum business. Importation must end.

“While we concede that Mr President acted in what he believed is in the public interest, we also make bold to state that the narratives that led to it were skewed by interests that have refused to allow the country’s local refining project to succeed.”

Criticising the tariff reversal, PANEP maintained that it contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery plan, questioning the secrecy surrounding Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption figures and accusing regulatory agencies of failing in their duties.

The group recommended that the new implementation timeline for the tariff, initially set for the first quarter of 2026, should commence no later than January 1, 2026, to prevent what it described as “serial policy reversals.”

Odumosu drew parallels with the cement industry, where local production overcame early resistance and allegations of monopoly, arguing that Nigeria will not realise its full refining capacity until petroleum import cartels are dismantled.

The organisation therefore called on the Federal Government to reinstate the 15 per cent tariff and ultimately ban fuel importation before the end of the first quarter in 2026.

“We are getting serious with business under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the gains should not be reversed. The government must stop listening to agencies that have failed in their regulatory duties.

“We reiterate our position that the legal tariff should be reintroduced before the end of Q1 2026, and importation of petroleum products should be banned. Nigeria is capable and the claim of high consumption prices is a fat lie,”Odumosu said.

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Nigeria Sending Large Delegates To International Functions Misplaced Priority – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has criticized the Nigerian government for sending an excessive number of delegates to international events.

In a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, Obi argued that such is a misplaced priority, given that about 150 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, struggling daily with food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria cannot compare herself with China which has larger population and larger GDP than her.

He added that the nation’s participation on the international stage must reflect responsible leadership, one that truly prioritises the needs of its people and demonstrates the country’s genuine capacity to engage meaningfully in global climate action.

“Again, in a bitter twist of irony, we thank Nigeria for having the third-largest delegation at COP30, with 749 delegates, similar to China with 789 delegates.

While Nigeria needs to have a strong voice in global climate discussions, this spectacle comes at a heavy cost to our people, with about 150 million living in multidimensional poverty, struggling daily with food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.


“Yet, our leaders travel in large numbers, funded by taxpayers, attending climate talks abroad while the citizens they are meant to serve continue to suffer.

“Compared to China, which had about the same contingency, China has a high HDI, while Nigeria has a low one, with a key measure of life expectancy at the lowest 54 years, against China’s 79 years. China’s GDP stands at $18.74 trillion, while Nigeria’s GDP is barely 1% of that size, a little over 200 billion dollars. China’s GDP per capita is about $13,300, whereas that of Nigeria is below 10% of that, reflecting the deep economic disparity between the two nations.

“Moreover, 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, which is about 150 million people, the highest number in the world, facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards, while it is only 3.9% in China; meanwhile, China’s population is about seven times larger than ours.

“This stark contrast illustrates why Nigeria should not be sending a delegation of this size. The human and financial resources expended on hundreds of officials travelling abroad could instead be directed toward urgent social investments at home, improving healthcare, education, and living conditions to lift our people out of poverty,” he wrote.

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EFCC Moves To Probe Man Seen Spraying Naira Notes On ‘Thanksgiving Cow’ Inside Church In Delta (Video)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened an investigation into a viral video showing an unidentified man spraying bundles of naira notes inside a church in Warri, Delta State.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development, stating that the commission was already reviewing the footage and noting, “The matter is under investigation,” according to PUNCH.

The video, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, shows the man spraying various denominations, including N200, N50, and N20 notes, on a dark-coloured cow brought into the church during what appeared to be a thanksgiving ceremony.

A woman beside him held a large pile of cash while he continued spraying.

The atmosphere in the church took on the tone of a social party, with hip-hop music blasting as the church’s pastor sang in Urhobo.

A hype man repeatedly hailed the man as a “young billionaire,” urging congregants to recognise him as he threw money amid loud cheers.

The footage has drawn heavy criticism online. A user identified as Fortis wrote, “This is very offensive to watch. More worrisome is the fact that children are even in this congregation. This is indeed disgraceful.”

Another user, @BishopBoye, commented, “They didn’t do 1/10 of what these people are doing before Jesus flogged them at the temple. 2,000 years later, just look at this.”

Similarly, Ituma Sunny said, “Please don’t call this a church. There is no real church that will tolerate this nonsense.”

Asiegbu Odenigbo added, “Yahoo boy doing thanksgiving in a yahoo church for the yahoo pastor.”

John Vianney Dominic described the act as “Baal worship,” warning that “those who attended need deliverance.”

Another user, Prince Ade-Chameleon, alleged, “It will interest you to know that these aren’t yahoo boys but kidnappers.”

However, when contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edefa, did not answer calls to his mobile phone.

Naira abuse has remained a persistent issue in Nigeria, particularly at social and religious events where spraying money is viewed as a display of wealth.

The practice contravenes Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which prohibits the tampering and mishandling of the nation’s currency.

The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on currency mutilation, making several arrests and securing convictions in recent years.

The agency has insisted that the abuse of the naira undermines its dignity, encourages illicit financial conduct, and contributes to economic disorder.

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Obiano’s De@th Rumour Is Wicked, Irresponsible – Governor Soludo

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has debunked social media rumours claiming that former Governor Chief Willie Obiano has passed away.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, the governor stated that the reports claiming that Obiano died in a London hospital were malicious and utterly false.

According to the governor, he had personally spoken with Obiano and could confirm that his predecessor was alive and in good health.

“I view with grave concern the reckless circulation of such malicious rumours. It is both wicked and completely irresponsible.

“I strongly urge media practitioners, especially online publishers, to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying any information through official channels before rushing to publish.

“The spread of unverified de@th rumours is not only wicked and irresponsible but also erodes public trust,” the governor said.

He, therefore, called on the members of the public to disregard the trending report, assuring them that Obiano remained hale and hearty.

He also wished the former governor continued strength, peace and a long, fulfilling life.

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Face Of Ex-Banker Arraigned By EFCC For Alleged Criminal Diversion Of Customer’s $510,000 (Photo)

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, November 13, 2025, arraigned Obinna Nwaobi, a former Head of Operations at Access Bank Nigeria Plc, before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

He was arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on forgery and criminal division of 510, 000. 00 USD (Five Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars), belonging to a customer of the bank.

Count seven of the charge reads: “That you, Obinna Nwaobi while being (Head of Operations) of Access Bank Nigeria Plc, Enugu branch on or about the 8th day of August, 2024 in Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, induced Access Bank Nigeria Plc to transfer a total sum of Five Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($510, 000. 00) from LANTERN GATE NIGERIA LIMITED Access Bank Account number 0761770127 under the false pretence that Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited gave her consent and mandate for the said transfer which petence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

Count eight of the charge reads: “That you, Obinna Nwaobi while being (Head of Operations) of Access Bank Plc, Enugu branch on or about the eight day of August, 2024 in Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, knowingly forged a document to Wit: “Access Bank Domestic Fund Transfer Form “D”, dated 28th August 2024, knowing same to be false and with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of Access Bank Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the same Act”.


The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to him.

However, defence counsel, F. C. Obinna informed the court about a bail application before it, dated October 24, 2025 and supported by 8-paragraph affidavit. He adopted same and prayed the court to admit his client to bail.

Reacting to the said application, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, vehemently opposed the application via an 11-paragraph counter affidavit filed on November 12, 2025. While relying on the said counter affidavit, the prosecution urged the court to refuse the said application because, “the quality of evidence we have in our proof of evidence might put fear in him and he might want to abscond”.

After listening to both parties, the court granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250 Million (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) and three sureties in like sum. Two of the sureties shall have landed properties in Enugu State and the papers of the said properties must be submitted to the court.

“The third surety shall be a relative of the defendant, who shall deposit evidence of tax payment for three years. The defendant and the sureties shall deposit two passports each to the court and the defendant shall deposit his international passport and National Identification Number to the court until the determination of this case”

The matter was adjourned to March 10, 11 and 12, 2026 for trial while the defendant was remanded at the facility of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Enugu.

The defendant’s case started on September 11, 2024 when the Commission received a petition from Access Bank Plc, alerting the EFCC of unauthorized transfers from its customer’s account.

According to the petitioner, the sum of $510, 000. 00 belonging to its customer, Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited was moved to six different accounts on the authorization of Obinna Nwaobi, its Head of Operation as at that time, without the approval of the customer.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After 15% Import Duty Suspension

Nigerian filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit following the federal government’s suspension of the 15% import duty on petrol and diesel.

Ranoil and Empire filling stations on Friday reduced petrol pump prices to N940 and N949 per litre, respectively, down from N955.

This means that the Nigerian filling stations’ fuel price drops by between N6 and N15 per litre.

The Spokesperson of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, linked the price drop to the Nigerian government suspension of its planned 15 percent import duty on petrol.

“Yes, petrol price will drop further,” he told Daily Post in an interview.

According to him, the anxiety associated with the planned 15 per cent import duty on petrol has been eased following the tariff suspension.

Recall that the Nigerian government announced the suspension of the planned 15 per cent tariff that would have given Dangote Refinery an edge in the country’s downstream sector with the potential to increase fuel prices.

Earlier this month, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had reduced its fuel pump price to 945 per litre in Abuja.

According to Daily Post, most filling stations are now selling fuel between N940 and N955 per litre in Abuja and its environs.

Meanwhile, the ex-depot price of petrol at Dangote Refinery stood at N856 per litre, and depot owners such as Aiteo (N854), NIPCO (N858) and Pinnacle (N858).

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Fuel Price: Why Nigerian Govt Suspended 15% Petrol Import Duty – Marketer

A petrol marketer has revealed three reasons the Nigerian government suspended its proposed 15 per cent petrol and diesel import duty.
DailyPost reported that the petroleum products marketer, who does not want to be named, spoke while reacting to the suspension of the petrol tariff.
According to him, FG made the decision to put on hold the refined petroleum products import duty due to inadequate consultation within government and stakeholders for its implementation.
Also, he explained that the tariff was suspended due to its political implications of possible higher petrol prices across the country.
 
“Personally I believe that there was a lot of push back from a lot of quarters, just as there were many in support.
 
“As we heard from the international contributors at the recent MEMAN webinar, while not unheard of, value-added tax on fuel is usually about 2 percent. The government in originally proposing such a move must have been thinking about the revenue potential.
 
“However, it came across as being a tool to protect local refineries, and to some people, a particular refinery. Be that as it may, I believe the U-turn may have been for the following reasons: Inadequate consultation within and outside government.
 
“Political implications of likely higher pump prices.
 
“Some consideration towards elections. Just my own thoughts. I can’t guarantee what the exact reason is. Implication: importation will continue until enough product is available through the local refineries.

“This development will ensure supply is adequate and that prices are moderated since no single entity will have a monopoly of supply,” he stated.

Recall that the federal government suspended the implementation of the 15 per cent tariff on Thursday, assuring Nigerians of an adequate petroleum products supply across the country.
The tariff before its suspension had generated both praise and contention from economists, stakeholders and Nigerians.

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