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FG Approves Establishment Of 9 New Private Universities (See Names)

The federal government has approved the establishment of 9 new private universities in the country.
According to the government, the approval was given from a total of 79 active requests made by their promoters.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa announced the approval on Wednesday while briefing State House Journalists, after the Federal Executive Council FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
The new universities include, Tazkiyah University, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Leadership University, Abuja, FCT, Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin, Kwara State Bridget University Mbaise, Okirika-Nweke, Imo State and Greenland University, Jalingo, Taraba State.
Others are, JEFAP University, Suleja, Niger State, Azione Verde University, Amaigbo, Imo State, Unique Open University, Ojo, Lagos State and American Open University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Additionally, the FG also approved a seven year moratorium for the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions.
Alausa attributed the moratorium to none patronage of some of the previously approved institutions.
”We are doing this to further halt decays in tertiary institutions which may in future affect the quality of education and consequently cause unemployment of graduates from some of these institutions,” he said.
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BREAKING: NNPCL Reduces Fuel Price

On Thursday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit.

Daily Post reports that NNPCL retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have reduced their pump price to N890 per litre from N945.

This new fuel price has been reflected in NNPCL retail outlets such as mega station Danziyal Plaza, Central Area, Wuse Zone 4, Wuse Zone 6, and other of its filling stations in the nation’s capital.

The latest downward review of fuel price in NNPCL outlets represents an N55 reduction in fuel pump price.

“It was reduced to N890 per litre this afternoon, down from N945,” an NNPCL fuel attendant told DAILY POST anonymously on Thursday.

This comes after it was reported that a Nigerian filling station, MRS Empire Energy, on Thursday adjusted their fuel pump price to N885 and N946 per litre, down from N910 and N955 per litre.

The latest fuel price reduction trend is unconnected to Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot petrol price adjustment by N30 to N820 per litre from N850 and the price of crude oil in the international market.

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2027: APC, LP, PDP’ve Failed Nigerians — Aregbesola

The Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party, LP of failing Nigerians.
This is as he called on Nigerians to vote out APC in the 2027 election.
He promised that the ADC will give Nigerians a new deal.
He spoke yesterday while embarking on a mass membership drive into the new coalition movement in Lagos State.
The ADC Influencer in Kosofe Local Government Area, Funmi Onita-Coker, in a statement, said Aregbesola had stormed Kosofe on Monday to recruit members for the party.
The former minister urged those present to launch a mass membership drive for the party, promising to provide all necessary incentives to ensure their success.
Aregbesola, in his remarks, said: “I am urging you to go out and spread the gospel of the ADC to all Nigerians, particularly those living in your local government areas.
 
“Tell them that a new vista of hope and opportunity now awaits them in our party as we promise a new deal that would see to it that our dear country, Nigeria, is reset to the path of development and progress.
 
“I want you all to sensitise Nigerians on the need to join ADC and use the ADC platform to remove the failed APC government. Having said that, I am also urging you, as well as all other categories of Nigerians, to vote and protect their votes by follow-up vigilance.”
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You Can’t Dictate For PDP — Ologunagba Tells Wike

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Debo Ologunagba lashed out at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Wike cannot stipulate conditions for the party.
Ologunagba, who made this statement on Wednesday during a press conference, was reacting to a recent remark by Wike.
He said that the party does not take instructions from anyone, noting that the caretaker committee will remain until a fresh congress is held in the South-South.
“PDP has not, and will not, take conditions from anybody. We will follow our constitution anyway. We have a South-South zonal caretaker committee, and they have been functioning as such.
 
“When congresses to fill those vacancies come up, every eligible member from that zone will be entitled to contest,” he said.
According to him, members are free to leave the party but warned that doing so would be to their detriment, calling it a “voyage of no discovery.”
Ologunagba stated further that the PDP is unique and former members are welcome to return.
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Bitcoin Smashes Past $124K For The First Time

Bitcoin has climbed past $124,000 on Thursday, August 14.
This is the first time Bitcoin is crossing the $124k mark.
Analysts say the latest peak was fueled by growing demand from U.S. retirement accounts, institutional investors, and treasury firms. The move coincided with a rally in American stocks, reflecting heightened global risk appetite.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market value rose 0.9% from its July peak, while Ethereum hit $4,700 — its highest level since late 2021. Bitcoin is now trading near $121,500, having broken decisively above the $120K mark after a strong rally from $116K.
Analysts say the breakout signals strong momentum, supported by President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies, increased certainty of Federal Reserve rate cuts in September, and sustained exchange-traded fund inflows. Bitcoin’s market capitalization now stands at around $2.5 trillion, while Ethereum’s has climbed to nearly $575 billion. Together, the two account for roughly 70% of the global crypto market.
A recent executive order from Trump allows 401(k) retirement accounts to invest directly in cryptocurrencies — a potential multi-trillion-dollar pool of capital. Even a modest allocation could deliver a significant boost to Bitcoin prices.
Institutional and treasury buying has added further fuel to the rally, with steady payroll contributions in retirement accounts creating consistent purchasing pressure. Large custodians and asset managers are now expected to source more Bitcoin directly, bolstering its legitimacy as a mainstream investment.
Trump, who calls himself the “crypto president,” has overseen sweeping regulatory changes, including stablecoin legislation and securities reforms to accommodate digital assets. His administration’s stance, combined with a favorable macroeconomic outlook, has driven Bitcoin up nearly 32% in 2025.
Analysts suggest that if Bitcoin sustains its momentum above $125,000, it could be on track to hit $150,000, cementing its position as a cornerstone of institutional and retail investment portfolios.
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Five Internet Fraudsters Jailed in Benin (Photo)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has convicted five internet fraudsters.
The convicts were tried before Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.
This was contained in a statement by the EFCC on their official X account.
According to the statement, the convicts, Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard, were prosecuted on separate one-count charges, bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.
The charge against Osaretin reads: “That you Ogbemudia Osaretin (m) on or about the 31st of July, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, in your iPhone 14 Pro Max, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The convicts pleaded guilty to their charge, following which the prosecution counsel, I. M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A. A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal and M.S. Dahiru prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator and Richard to two years imprisonment, respectively, or to pay N200,000 (Two hundred thousand Naira) fine each, while he convicted and sentenced Ehimien to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000 (One hundred thousand Naira) fine or do community service.
All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and balances in their respective bank accounts, which were tagged as tools and proceeds of their crimes.
The convicts were arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities.
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LAUTECH Student Killed During Prohibited Sign-Out Ceremony In Ogbomoso

The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has confirmed the tragic killing of one of its students during an unauthorized sign-out ceremony in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The victim, whose name was revealed as Mr. Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was shot during the event at the Ultramodern Wazo Market.

In a statement, Registrar Olayinka Balogun expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “The university is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on Wednesday, 6th August, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso, resulting in the unfortunate death of one of our students during a sign-out ceremony.

“It is important to note that the university had banned sign-out activities on campus since 2023, and had informed hotels in the area not to host LAUTECH students for such events.

“Despite this prohibition, preliminary investigations revealed that a group of students chose to hold a sign-out ceremony on the football pitch within the Wazo Ultramodern Market.

“The gathering turned fatal when a male student was shot. Reports indicate that he attempted to leave the venue on his motorbike but struggled to operate it before ultimately falling off and being found unresponsive.

“Following a distress call, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs promptly investigated the situation and alerted the Oyo State Police Command, including the Monitoring Unit and Area Command.

“Police personnel were dispatched to the scene, where they discovered a bag on the body that led to the identification of the deceased as Mr. Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His body was subsequently transported to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Morgue.

“The university is fully cooperating with the police as investigations continue and has also informed the family of the deceased.”

The management extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Babalola, stating, “May God grant him eternal rest, and may his family find solace during this difficult time.”

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Russia blocks voice calls on WhatsApp, Telegram over security concerns

Russia has moved to curb voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share user data with law enforcement in cases involving fraud and terrorism.

The country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, said the partial restrictions were aimed at countering criminal activity, with other features of the apps left untouched. Access to calls, officials said, would be restored once the platforms complied with Russian legislation.

The move marks the latest escalation in Moscow’s long-running standoff with global tech companies, a dispute that has intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Critics argue the Kremlin is using such measures to tighten control over the internet and push “digital sovereignty” by promoting state-backed and homegrown services.

President Vladimir Putin has already authorised the development of a government-integrated messaging app to reduce dependence on foreign platforms.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, defended its refusal to hand over data, stressing that the platform is private, end-to-end encrypted, and resistant to government surveillance. Telegram said it actively removes millions of harmful posts daily, including calls for violence and fraud-related content.

Reports indicate that Telegram voice calls have been largely non-functional since 11 August, while WhatsApp calls produce intermittent audio and metallic noises, rendering them unusable.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s IT committee, said the companies would need to establish legal entities in Russia and work directly with regulators and law enforcement before restrictions could be lifted.

Meta was declared an extremist organisation in Russia in 2022, though WhatsApp remained operational until now despite receiving fines for hosting banned content.

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“If you drop out or skip classes, you could lose your visa” – US to Nigerian Students

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a warning to Nigerian students studying in America to strictly comply with the conditions of their student visas or risk losing the right to study in the country.

The advisory, issued on Wednesday via the mission’s official X handle, reminded students that failure to maintain both their academic and immigration status could lead to visa revocation and jeopardise future U.S. visa applications.

According to the mission, common violations include abandoning studies, failing to attend classes, or changing academic programmes without officially notifying the school.

“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the embassy warned.

The mission also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for breaches of U.S. laws, stressing that arrests in the United States could trigger immediate immigration consequences, including deportation and a permanent ban on future visas.

The statement, shared with the hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa, comes as thousands of Nigerian students prepare to travel for the September academic session.

See below;

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EFCC Releases Tambuwal From Custody

A former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal has regained his freedom from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),
This was announced by the anti-graft agency.
Recall that the EFCC had on Monday, August 11, invited and later on detained the former governor who is alleged to have fraudulently withdrawn some cash to the tune of N189 billion when he held sway as a governor of his State.
Sources in the commission says Tambuwal was granted administrative bail and is expected to leave the commission’s headquarters this night after perfecting his bail conditions.

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