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The Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), following concerns over the growing number of students dropping out before advancing to senior secondary education. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee. According to the minister, available data revealed that more than 20 million pupils fail to transition successfully through the education system, prompting a review of the existing structure. Alausa explained that the policy, popularly referred to as the “disarticulation policy,” which mandates separate administration, principals, and facilities for junior and senior secondary schools, has not delivered the expected outcomes. He noted that Nigeria currently operates about 80,000 public primary schools but only around ...

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing sweeping changes to the scheme’s structure, orientation programme, leadership model and operational framework . The approval was granted on Monday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. As part of the reforms, the government approved the replacement of the traditional Passing-Out Parade with a graduation ceremony and extended the orientation camp duration from three weeks to six weeks. The reforms also introduce a civilian-led leadership structure for the NYSC, replacing military operational leadership with a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, while security responsibilities remain under military coordination. Briefing journalists after the meeting, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, said the reform followed a review process initiated in 2025...

The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has challenged members of the 2026 Batch 'B' Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps to become agents of positive change by leaving lasting legacies in their host communities through dedicated and selfless service. The Governor's message was delivered by the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch 'B' Stream I Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare Akoko. Addressing the corps members, the Governor reminded them that the orientation course had equipped them with the values of patriotism, discipline, leadership, teamwork and national unity. He urged them to put these lessons into practice as they proceed to their various Places of Primary Assignment. He encouraged the corps members to actively participate in Community Development Service by identifying the genuine needs of their host communities and initiating proje...

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing far-reaching changes aimed at transforming the scheme into a more skills-oriented and productivity-driven institution . The approval was granted during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago. Among the key reforms is a new leadership structure that places the operational management of the NYSC under civilian administration, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country. To facilitate implementation, the Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation alongside the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to initiate amendments to the NYSC Act and related regulations. Announcing the development through his official X account, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the refo...

  The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) for the completion of the institution's long-abandoned on-campus students' hostel project. The agreement, signed on Friday at OSOPADEC's headquarters in Oba-Ile, is aimed at expanding access to safe and affordable accommodation for students while strengthening investment partnerships between the Commission and the institution.  The signing ceremony led by OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, alongside members of the Commission's management, while the university delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige. Speaking at the event, Poroye reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to completing all inherited projects in line with the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa against abandoned projects.  He disclosed that the hostel project would be upgrad...

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) has approved a sweeping review of its National Assembly candidates in Ondo State, replacing eight aspirants who initially emerged during the party’s primary elections . The decision followed the consideration of petitions and appeals arising from the recently concluded APC primaries. The changes were formally communicated in a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), transmitting the party’s final list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates. The letter, signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the revised list reflected the final decisions reached after reviewing reports submitted by the Primary Election Appeal Committees, in accordance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. The review resulted in significant alterations to Ondo S...

The Valedictory programme of the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has been announced. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman, Committee on the End Tenure, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, in a statement, described the celebration as a tribute to a legacy of purposeful leadership and lasting impact. The farewell activities will commence on Monday, June 29, with a Valedictory Lecture hosted by the Faculty of Science in honour of the Vice Chancellor. The lecture, titled "Management Has a Few Things to Learn From Science," will be delivered by Prof. Victor Olumekun at the Nelson Mandela Hall by 2pm. On Wednesday, July 1, the programmes will begin with a Special Monthly Prayer Meeting by 9am at the University Multipurpose Hall. At 12pm, a Valedictory Senate Meeting and Presentation of Tenure Report will be held at the Senate Chamber. The day will conclude by 4pm with an AAUA Students' Praise Fiesta in h...

Former African Independent Television (AIT) Bureau Chief and veteran journalist, Mr. Tonymark Asamali Imakhe, has appealed to Nigerians, corporate organisations and other well-meaning individuals for financial assistance as he battles stroke and severe osteoarthritis. Imakhe, a former staff of Daar Communications Plc, is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation following a prolonged health crisis that has left him physically incapacitated and unable to continue his journalism career. An Economics graduate of the University of Ibadan, Imakhe built an illustrious career in journalism with a strong focus on grassroots reporting and community development. He began his media career by establishing two community newspapers, Ekperi Voice and Central News, which became platforms for promoting development and amplifying the voices of residents of Ekperi and other communities in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. His outstanding work at the community level earned him a p...

‎COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS, NUJ, ONDO STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY 25TH JUNE, 2026 AT THE PRESS CENTRE, ALAGBAKA, AKURE ‎ ‎The Congress which was held at the NUJ Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, was well attended by members across all chapels and presided over by the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite.  ‎ ‎The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues; from politics, economy, environmental, security to welfare of members among others. After exhaustive deliberations, the Congress resolved as follows; ‎ ‎1. That the Congress unanimously passed a resolution empowering the Union's leadership to name the Biggest Hall at the Press Centre after the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, as a mark of appreciation for his various interventions in upgrading facilities at the NUJ State Secretariat 'Press Centre, Akure'. ‎ ‎2. That the Congress called on the Federal Government to urgently add...

The Molokun of Atijere Kingdom in the oil-rich Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, HRM Oba Samuel Olumide Adeoye, Edema 1, the Molokun of Atijere, has warned that his community may resort to peaceful protests if it continues to be excluded from discussions and benefits arising from oil exploration activities on Eba Island. The monarch, while welcoming investment and development in the area, insisted that communities under the Atijere Kingdom must be recognised as critical stakeholders in all engagements relating to the island, which he maintained remains part of Ondo State. Speaking on the controversy surrounding ownership of Eba Island, Oba Adeoye dismissed claims by neighbouring Ogun State, stressing that the disputed territory has historically belonged to Ondo State and that the ownership debate only surfaced following the discovery of oil deposits in the area. According to the traditional ruler, Eba Island had existed peacefully for decades without any boundary-related disag...

Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Professor Tomola Marshal Obamuyi as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). The appointment followed the due recommendation of the Governing Council of the institution, in line with the University’s Act and extant regulations. The Council, chaired by Dr. Tunji Abayomi, had recommended Prof. Obamuyi for the position after emerging first among 15 candidates interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the institution.  Professor Obamuyi, a distinguished scholar of Banking and Finance, will succeed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige. Professor Obamuyi has held several significant academic and administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Banking and Finance at AAUA, and the first substantive Dean of the School of Management Technology at Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).  He was awar...

By Dayo Afolabi For a commercial driver, Olabuja Amos Oni, the fear of falling victim to kidnappers has become a constant companion on the road.  After more than 20 years behind the wheel, he now limits most of his trips to neighbouring Oyo State, wary of the growing insecurity that has turned many Nigerian highways into routes of uncertainty.  "It seems we are the target of kidnappers. In fact, people are now afraid of travelling, including those of us who are drivers. I have even resorted to operating mostly within neighbouring Oyo State."  "I have been working as a driver for over 20 years. Before now, I travelled from Ondo State to Onitsha almost every week. However, things have changed significantly due to the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom," he said. According to him, the fear of abduction has forced many drivers to avoid certain routes, while passengers increasingly cancel trips because of security concerns. He urged the government to rise to its res...

By Our Correspondent Popular Gospel, Musician, Kehinde Adegbodu has addressed growing concerns over his recent appearance and health condition, revealing that he was involved in a minor fire accident at home but assuring the public that he remains medically fit and in stable condition. In a video posted on his official Facebook page and sighted by Newsline NG, Adegbodu said the incident affected his left hand and parts of his face, including his lips, but clarified that the injuries were not life-threatening. According to him, he deliberately chose not to share details of the incident on social media, preferring to manage the situation privately. “To everyone that is worried about me, I am very okay and medically fit. I had a minor fire accident in the house but I decided not to post it on social media. It affected my left hand and some parts of my face including my lips,” he said. Responding to rumours and public speculation surrounding the cause of the incident, Adegbodu firmly deni...

The Management of the National Youth Service Corps Oyo State, under the leadership of the State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, hereby urges all Corps Members serving across the State to strictly comply with the curfew directive imposed by the Oyo State Government in the interest of public safety, security, and the preservation of law and order. Management acknowledges the concerns and apprehension expressed by some Corps Members following the announcement of the curfew. While these concerns are understandable, the NYSC Oyo State Secretariat wishes to reassure all Corps Members that there is no cause for alarm.  Relevant security agencies, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, are actively working to ensure the protection of lives and property across the State. Accordingly, Corps Members, particularly those in affected areas, are strongly advised to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while complying fully with all directives issued by the Oyo State Government and othe...

Prof. Olugbenga Oke-Samuel, a distinguished legal scholar and Professor of Law in the Faculty of Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, will deliver the institution’s 67th inaugural lecture on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.  The lecture, which promises to be a seminal contribution to legal discourse, will examine the pressing issue of environmental injustice and the transformative potential of environmental law clinics in Nigeria. Scheduled to hold at the University’s Multipurpose Hall, the event will see the erudite professor present his lecture entitled: “Environmental Injustice: Redeeming the Time Through Environmental Law Clinics in Nigeria.” Prof. Oke-Samuel, whose expertise spans Environmental Law and Clinical Legal Education, will explore the role of community-based legal interventions in addressing systemic environmental harm and advancing the cause of environmental justice in the Nigerian context. According to a statement issued by the Deputy Vice Chance...

The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, inaugurated the Technical Committee on the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), setting in motion fresh efforts to revive the long-abandoned industrial project amid renewed interest by the Dangote Group to establish Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade hub in the state. Speaking at the inauguration held at the Governor’s Office in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the event as a historic step towards the reactivation and optimisation of the Olokola corridor, saying his administration is determined to transform the project from a long-standing concept into a thriving economic reality. The governor recalled that the Olokola Free Trade Zone was conceived in 2005 as a joint initiative of the Ondo and Ogun State governments. Situated along the coastlines of both states with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, the zone was designed as a strategic economic gateway for the South-West and Nigeria. Acco...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko The Ibadan South-West Local Government, on Monday, inaugurated a newly constructed modern health centre at Akuro and a renovated and modernized health centre at Bode, both in Ibadan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was part of efforts to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery within the LG. Speaking during the inaugurations, the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Kehinde Akande, said the projects were clear demonstrations of his administration’s determination to improve the wellbeing of residents. Akande added it was to provide quality medical services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and provide modern, functional and well-equipped healthcare facilities for all residents. He noted that the projects were made possible by Gov. Seyi Makinde’s vision on health matters. The council chairman said that the governor’s vision repositioned Oyo State as a pace-setting state through health facilities upgrade, Health Care Insurance ...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have expressed worries over the living conditions of the Oriire abductees, slightly over five weeks after. The bishops, in a news conference held in Ibadan on Monday, demanded the abductees’ immediate and unconditional release. The province, comprising the Ibadan Archdiocese and the Ondo, Ilorin, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osogbo Dioceses, has the Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin as president and the Most Rev. Anselm Lawani as secretary. The bishops declared that the abductees had lived long enough, since May 15, under the harshest conditions, without a roof over their heads, for the government to act. They worried that they were with no good nutrition and completely exposed to the elements in the forest and in the hands of the most vicious and merciless criminals. The bishops described the murder of a teacher, a motorcycle rider and the beheading of another teacher in the forest as a barbaric ass...

African best prestigious hospitality, The Delborough Lagos has celebrated her board chairman, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi) on his 85th birthday. The revered 21st monarch of the Onitsha dynasty was honoured to a glorious birthday dinner party on 20th June 2026 at The Delborough Lagos where the entire management and staff of the brand stood in high ovation to celebrate his Royal Majesty.  The royal party took place few days after the The Delborough Lagos welcomed Michelin-starred chef Sauro Bison to pilot its DANI Restaurant to offer world-class dining experience which marked the first time the chef matched its foot on African soil. Former president Chief Olesegun Obasanjo, Gov Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Senator Ita Giwa, NDC presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, Mr Charles Oputa aka Area Fada (Charly Boy) and a host of other dignitaries from all works of life graced the occasion.  The highlights  of the celebration included cultural...

The nine-year-old son of a pastor, Master Victor Oluwatobi, who was kidnapped three weeks ago in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has regained his freedom . It will be recalled that unknown gunmen invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun at midnight on Friday, June 5, 2026, and destroyed two buildings in an attempt to kidnap the landlords, who were able to escape. Unfortunately, Pastor Oluwatobi could not rescue all his children in time, leaving the boy — who was fast asleep at the time of the invasion — behind.  The child had since remained in the custody of the assailants. On Sunday morning, through the joint efforts of security agencies, he was safely rescued and reunited with his family. During the period of his captivity, the Ondo State Government mobilised security agencies — including the Army, Police, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes — who combed the forest day and night in search of the victim. Residents have since appreciated the efforts of the governor and the s...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, on Saturday, swore in Mr Adekola Kareem as its new chairman, alongside eight other executive members. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the nine-member executive committee was sworn in by Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The new executives are: Dr Olusola Olorunfemi as Vice Chairman, David Adejorin as Secretary, and Raheed Khan as Publicity Secretary. Idrees Openiyi was elected Financial Secretary, Miss Tijesunimi Olugbinle as Social Secretary, and Miss Mofeyisara Ajao as Assistant Secretary. Mr Temiloluwa Morakinyo was sworn in as the Treasurer, and Miss Timisola Adebisi as the Welfare Secretary. In his inaugural speech, Kareem described his victory as “a burden to translate our campaign promises to tangible results.” He said the journey was arduous but fulfilling because of the members’ confidence and support. He pledged result-oriented leadership, built on resu...