By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has recorded its highest-ever registration for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with 2,030,627 candidates set to sit for the exam.

JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the figures in Abuja, noting that this surpasses last year’s 1.9 million registrations.

Among the applicants, 41,026 are below the age of 16. The examination will commence on April 25 across 700 computer-based test centers nationwide, while over 200,000 candidates will take an optional mock exam on April 5.

JAMB officially closed registration on March 8, with these figures excluding foreign candidates taking the UTME abroad.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of two new federal universities, expanding Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

The newly signed bills pave the way for the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.

With this addition, Nigeria now boasts 65 federal universities, alongside 63 state and 149 private universities, according to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Speaking in Abuja after signing the bills on Thursday, President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of these institutions in addressing national developmental needs.

He highlighted their role in advancing specialized education, particularly in agriculture, science, and technology, which are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

“These universities will be hubs for professional training, research, and innovation, shaping a stronger future for our nation,” Tinubu stated.

The move underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and fostering national development through academic excellence and innovation.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat bullying in schools with the inauguration of a seven-member committee dedicated to reviewing cases and enforcing swift action.

Announcing the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed that the committee has been established and will begin work immediately.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa highlighted the devastating psychological effects of bullying and stressed the need for urgent intervention to ensure a safe learning environment.

To enhance reporting and accountability, the ministry introduced confidential channels, including a hotline (09012660044), email (antibullying@education.gov.ng), and WhatsApp (08052536133), for victims and witnesses to report incidents.

Alausa called on school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to actively support the initiative and help create a safer educational system.