By Patrick Idowu

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja has refuted allegations that the institution diverted funds provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for its students.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, said no NELFUND money was diverted, misappropriated or unlawfully withheld by the university or any of its officials.

The denial comes a day after NELFUND also dismissed the allegation and cleared the university of wrongdoing.

The statement, signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Malam Sambo Mohammed, said the university operates within established financial regulations and maintains strict accountability in managing intervention funds.

The council urged the public to disregard what it described as a misleading media report, while reaffirming confidence in the university’s management led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned that candidates who violate registration rules or breach the attestation signed during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), registration will face severe sanctions.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, issued the warning on Monday as the registration entered its third week.

He said offenders could be barred from sitting for the UTME for up to three years, adding that the names of defaulters may be published in national newspapers and forwarded to other public examination bodies.

Oloyede also disclosed that candidates involved in serious offences could be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Police for prosecution.

JAMB said the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of the examination process and ensuring fairness for all candidates.

By Adeola Samuel 

The Tinubu Grassroots Network (TGN) has extended its educational support initiative to Osun and Ondo states, distributing writing materials to secondary school students to promote learning and academic excellence.

The outreach, led by the group’s Convener, Mr Folusho Ojo Sylvanus, was held at Alasagba Community High School, Ibuji, in Ondo State, and Ilesi Aralesi Grammar School in Osun State.

Hundreds of students received exercise books, pens and other learning materials.

Speaking at the events, Sylvanus said the initiative was part of TGN’s commitment to supporting education at the grassroots and complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to improve learning standards nationwide.

He urged students to remain focused on their studies and also enlightened them on opportunities available through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he described as an interest-free loan scheme for students seeking tertiary education.

“You should not be afraid about your future. The Federal Government has made provisions through NELFUND to ensure that any serious student can further his or her education without financial difficulties. All you need is focus and determination,” he said.

Sylvanus also assured parents and guardians that ongoing reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration were aimed at easing the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

He explained that the new tax refund policies would not negatively affect families but rather support households and improve economic stability.

During an interactive session, Sylvanus engaged students with current affairs questions. At Alasagba Community High School, a student, Osalusi Marvellous, answered correctly and was rewarded.

In Osun, Ajayi Oluwadarasimi also emerged as a beneficiary after providing the correct answer to another question.

Management and staff of both schools commended the Tinubu Grassroots Network for the gesture, describing it as timely, especially for students who struggle to afford basic learning materials.

TGN said the programme is part of its broader plan to support education, create awareness on government policies and empower Nigerian youths, adding that more states would benefit in the coming months.