Arewa Times

The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, has revealed that over 65 percent of nurses with first degrees in Nigeria were trained by the university.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 when he launched the NOUN Emergency Health Centre at the Model Study Centre, Dutse-Alhaji, Abuja.

The ceremony marked the commencement of the centres’ at the 39 study centres of the university nationwide, which Prof. Uduma said it was the first phase of the initiative.

The NOUN VC explained that the university will continue to open access to Nigerians, which now transcend to the health aspect.

He said the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria had confirmed that by stating that NOUN has trained 65% of nurses with first degrees in Nigeria.

“It is an ongoing process. All study centres will get these facilities for the students benefits because their lives are highly valued.

“I am happy that the Red Cross is training our staff, ” he said.

Prof. Uduma added that the university management has approved the engagement of some of the nurses as volunteers.

He said the era of students struggling with health issues during examination periods is over, as the facilities will serve the first aid purposes.

He said the Emergency Health Centres will not take over the work of HMOs, but would first ensure the stabilisation of patients before their referrals to the main medical facilities.

Prof. Uduma assured that by August, the number of centres with the facility would double, saying that the university will ensure that all NOUN centres will have it.

He said by doing so, NOUN was fulfilling the federal government’s mandate of taking care of students health, hoping that more students will have additional confidence to join the university.

Earlier, the Head of Clinic of the university, Dr. Hassan Mohamed, explained that the centres will be treating normal cases of patients.

Dr. Mohammed, who said staff are already being trained to handle such emergencies, added that the first aiders are billed to go for more series of trainings in the future.

The emergency health centres, he added, will transfer the cases to the medical centres after their initial treatments.

Dr. Mohammed showed the Vice-Chancellor and his each item and its usage, ranging from medications such as ORS, PCM, Heart related machine, equipment to handle trauma, fridge to store medicine, and the likes.

The Vice-Chancellor was flanked at the launch of the centres by his deputies, Prof. Shehu Adamu and Prof. Christine Ofulue, the Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, the bursar, Mal. Nasiru Marafa, the Librarian, Prof. Angela Okpala, the Centre Director, Abuja Model Study Centre, Prof. Nebath Tanglang and other senior university officials.

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has emerged victorious in the primary election for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, defeating former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, and another aspirant, Shettima.

The results, announced on Monday by the Returning Officer, Barrister Sameera Ibrahim, showed that Shehu Sani polled 9,105 votes to secure victory in the keenly contested exercise.

According to the results declared, Zailani garnered 1,021 votes, while Shettima secured 1,253 votes.

The outcome marks a major political comeback for Shehu Sani, who previously represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is widely known for his activism and outspoken views on governance, democracy and social justice.

Political observers described the victory as a significant development ahead of the forthcoming general elections, considering the calibre of contenders involved in the primary contest.

Supporters of the former senator celebrated the outcome shortly after the announcement of the results, expressing confidence in his chances at the general election.

Supporters of former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, on Monday turned out in large numbers across the seven local government areas of the senatorial district despite alleged intimidation, political thuggery and destruction of campaign posters in parts of Rigasa and other communities within the zone.

The supporters, who trooped out in Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, said they remained resolute in supporting the former lawmaker because of his grassroots appeal, political experience and track record while in office.

Several voters interviewed during the exercise described Shehu Sani as a compassionate politician who has consistently identified with ordinary people and defended the rights of the oppressed.

According to them, the former senator distinguished himself during his time in the National Assembly through outspoken representation and advocacy on issues affecting the masses.

“We heard his voice loudly when he was in the Senate and the people felt the impact of his representation,” one of the supporters said.

The voters also maintained that the former senator remains accessible to the people and has continued to champion causes affecting vulnerable citizens without fear or intimidation.

They argued that his return to the Senate would strengthen representation for Kaduna Central and ensure that the concerns of the people receive adequate attention at the national level.

The exercise, however, witnessed pockets of tension in some areas following reports of destruction of campaign posters and alleged acts of intimidation by suspected political thugs.

Despite the challenges, supporters of the former lawmaker insisted that the incidents would not deter them from exercising their democratic rights and supporting their preferred candidate.

By Jibril Aminu Dauda

Community Development Associations (CDAs) across Southern Kaduna have passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Annual Festival (SKFEST), while distancing themselves from the Southern Kaduna People’s United Association (SOKAPUA).

The position was made known during a meeting held on May 17, 2026, at Gwari Avenue, Barnawa, Kaduna, where over 50 representatives of various Southern Kaduna socio-cultural groups gathered to deliberate on issues affecting the region.

In a communiqué signed by Dr. Samuel T. Achie, Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations Forum, the groups reaffirmed their support for the leadership of SKFEST headed by Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (Rtd), describing the festival initiative as a platform promoting unity, peace, and development in Southern Kaduna.

The Forum also declared support for the leadership of Southern Kaduna People’s Union led by Bello Bissalla, urging the leadership to work closely with the Board of Trustees headed by Elder S. Bangoji to move the organization forward.

The CDAs, however, distanced themselves from Southern Kaduna People’s United Association, popularly known as SOKAPUA, led by Engr. Samuel Kato Tabara.


The Forum accused Tabara of making allegations against several organs and leaders within the organization, including members of the Caretaker Committee, the youth wing, and the Board of Trustees.

The statement further alleged that Tabara unilaterally registered SOKAPUA and altered the original SOKAPU logo without due consultations, actions the Forum said deepened divisions within Southern Kaduna.

The CDAs also accused Tabara and his group of disregarding several peace efforts initiated by respected religious leaders, traditional rulers, and elders of Southern Kaduna.

Among those mentioned were the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association led by Apostle Emmanuel Kure, the Southern Kaduna Traditional Council under the Chief of Kagoro, and the Southern Kaduna Elders Consultative Forum led by Major General Zamani Lekwot (retd).

According to the statement, resolutions reached during reconciliation meetings included a return to the status quo, restoration of the original SOKAPU logo, deregistration of SOKAPUA, withdrawal of court cases, and apologies to the SOKAPU Board of Trustees.

The Forum said other groups complied with the resolutions, but alleged that Tabara failed to honor the agreements.

Speaking on the forthcoming 2026 Southern Kaduna Annual Festival, the CDAs dismissed concerns raised by Tabara over the event.

The Forum clarified that SKFEST is an independent entity registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and not an organ of either SOKAPU or SOKAPUA.

It added that the festival is expected to attract high-profile personalities, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The CDAs further called on political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, youths, women groups, and other stakeholders to work together for the progress and stability of the region.

Answering questions from journalists, Achie assured that Southern Kaduna remains peaceful. “Southern Kaduna is peaceful and all stakeholders must unite under recognized structures to advance the interests of the people,” he said.

By: Musa Maye

The ruling All Progressives Congress has rescheduled the commencement of its National Assembly primary elections in Zamfara State to Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party said the primaries would be conducted across designated ward centres in the state.

This was contained in a notice issued to journalists by the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Zamfara State, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu.

Aliyu urged aspirants and party supporters to rely strictly on official communications from the committee responsible for conducting the primaries for accurate information and guidance.

He warned the public against relying on contrary reports, describing any information outside the committee’s official notice as “unauthorised, null and void.”

According to the statement, all participants in the exercise are expected to conduct themselves peacefully and comply fully with the guidelines issued for the conduct of the primaries.

The committee chairman assured stakeholders of the party’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, free, fair and credible primary election process across the state.

He also advised interested persons and party faithful to channel all enquiries through the committee’s official communication channels.

Members of the committee include Yusuf Dingyadi, Bala Usman Horse, Samuel Shwarta, Barrister Joshua Wapdil, and Usaini Gotu, while Hycenth Henlong Tuamyil will serve as secretary.

The recent media reports alleging the arrest of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N500 billion fraud have exposed what appears to be a calculated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of a rising public figure known for his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his growing grassroots influence among Nigerian youths.

Contrary to sensational reports circulating across some media platforms, Dr Abdullahi was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC. Multiple reports confirmed that he merely honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency in line with due process and respect for constituted authority.

A statement issued by his media team clarified that the ECN boss voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation and was not arrested as falsely portrayed in several publications.

However, despite this clarification, sections of the media rushed to publish alarming headlines suggesting guilt even before any formal findings or charges had been made public.

Observers say the development bears the familiar signs of politically motivated blackmail often deployed against public officials who command growing popularity and political relevance ahead of major electoral cycles.

In recent months, Dr Abdullahi has emerged as one of the prominent voices mobilising young Nigerians in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the possible second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His youth engagement efforts and expanding political network across several states have reportedly unsettled certain interests uncomfortable with his rising profile.

Supporters of the ECN boss insist that responding to an invitation by a law enforcement agency should not be twisted into a media conviction or used to destroy reputations through coordinated misinformation.

They argue that anti-corruption institutions must be allowed to carry out investigations professionally without political actors and sensational headlines weaponising routine procedures for propaganda purposes.

The situation has also sparked concerns about the growing trend of trial-by-media in Nigeria, where public officials are declared guilty in headlines long before investigations are concluded or any court pronouncement is made.

Political analysts note that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, invitations for questioning are not equivalent to convictions, adding that public discourse must remain guided by facts, fairness, and due process.

For many of Dr Abdullahi’s supporters, the question remains: why the desperation to criminalise a man whose only visible political offence appears to be his vocal support for President Tinubu and his growing acceptance among young Nigerians?

The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence cooperation and enhance intelligence sharing between both countries.

The MoU was signed on Sunday, 10th May 2026, in Amman, Jordan, by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, and Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in intelligence exchange, defence capacity building, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security. Key areas of cooperation include:

• Joint military training and exchange of defence expertise
• Intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism operations
• Defence research, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration
• Mutual support for regional and global peace and security initiatives

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Matawalle described the MoU as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Jordan relations and a strategic step toward addressing contemporary security challenges.

“Nigeria and Jordan share a common commitment to peace, stability, and security. This partnership will deepen our collaboration and create practical pathways for technology transfer, including the establishment of a defence production line in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the DICON Act,” he said.

The MoU reflects the mutual resolve of both nations to strengthen trust, enhance interoperability, and pursue joint actions that contribute to stability within their regions and beyond.

Signed:
Ahmed Dan Wudil SA New Media

Office of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence
Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja

By Luke Musa

ABUJA — Leaders of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) have reaffirmed their support for power rotation in Nigeria, insisting that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in 2027 to preserve political balance, equity, and national stability.

The position was contained in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the forum held in Abuja on Saturday.

The SMBLF, which comprises Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and PANDEF, said the zoning arrangement has remained an important part of Nigeria’s democratic practice since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

According to the communique, political parties preparing for their congresses and conventions should ensure that their presidential candidates emerge from Southern Nigeria.

The forum argued that retaining the presidency in the South for another term would strengthen national unity and reduce political tension across the country.

“Political parties are strongly advised to zone and elect their presidential candidates from Southern Nigeria,” the communique stated.

The leaders also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate neutrality and independence in the conduct of elections and the supervision of political party activities.

They expressed concern over controversies surrounding certain sections of the Electoral Act, warning that unresolved disputes and perceived inconsistencies could undermine public confidence in future elections and trigger unnecessary political instability.

On insecurity, the SMBLF passed a vote of confidence in the Nigerian armed forces for their ongoing efforts against terrorism and banditry but noted that security agencies remain overstretched because of inadequate manpower relative to the country’s population and landmass.

The forum said it observed “with dismay” what it described as favourable treatment and incentives being extended to purportedly repentant terrorists through government-backed amnesty programmes, while victims of violence continue to live in displacement camps under harsh humanitarian conditions.

According to the leaders, many communities destroyed by terrorist attacks have yet to receive adequate support, while displaced persons remain uncertain about returning to their ancestral homes.

The forum also rejected proposals linked to the planned establishment of state police, particularly the suggestion reportedly made by the Inspector General of Police that the institutionalisation of state police should take up to 60 months.

The SMBLF described the proposed timeline as unnecessarily long, insisting that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity requires urgent and decisive reforms rather than prolonged bureaucratic processes.

The leaders further opposed suggestions that 60 percent of federal police personnel should automatically be integrated into state police structures based on their states of origin.

According to the communique, such an arrangement would weaken the effectiveness and independence of state policing.

The forum maintained that state police should be established as a constitutional institution with clearly defined powers rather than as an extension of the federal police system.

On the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the SMBLF called on the federal government to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living abroad.

The leaders urged the government to make adequate arrangements for Nigerians willing to return home while appealing to Nigerian youths not to engage in retaliatory attacks against South African citizens or businesses in Nigeria.

The forum also renewed its long-standing demand for restructuring, calling for greater autonomy for federating states and ethnic nationalities in line with the principles of true federalism.

According to the leaders, meaningful restructuring remains essential to addressing many of Nigeria’s political, economic, and security challenges.

The SMBLF further urged the federal government to intensify efforts aimed at reducing the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The forum recommended stronger support for local crude oil refineries and the implementation of clear policies capable of ending the continued importation of refined petroleum products.

The communique was signed by HRH Oba Oladipo Olaitan, leader of Afenifere and Chairman of SMBLF; Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum; Senator John Azuta-Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF.

By Abigail Adams

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has commended the managing director/chief executive officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for what it described as his transformational leadership in expanding rural electrification and renewable energy infrastructure across Nigeria.

The group said the REA under Aliyu’s leadership has demonstrated innovation, competence and strategic direction in tackling energy poverty, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

In a statement issued and signed by its president, Comrade Abdul Danbature, AYAGL noted that the agency’s interventions in renewable energy development were already creating positive socio-economic impacts across several communities nationwide.

The group specifically praised the aggressive expansion of solar mini-grids and off-grid electrification projects being deployed in communities, markets, healthcare facilities, tertiary institutions and economic clusters across the country.

According to the statement, the projects represent more than electricity supply, describing them as instruments of economic empowerment, education, healthcare improvement and sustainable development.

“For decades, several communities in Northern Nigeria suffered severe neglect in terms of access to stable electricity and modern energy infrastructure,” the group stated.

“Businesses collapsed, educational institutions struggled, healthcare services remained limited, and rural economic activities suffered enormously due to inadequate power supply.”

AYAGL, however, said there is growing hope as many communities are now benefiting from sustainable energy solutions through the interventions of the REA.

The group also applauded the implementation of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme aimed at expanding electricity access to millions of Nigerians in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

It further commended the Federal Government’s National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative designed to provide solar-powered electricity to federal universities, tertiary institutions and healthcare facilities.

According to the youth group, improved electricity supply would significantly enhance learning, research, healthcare delivery, entrepreneurship and digital innovation in public institutions.

The assembly maintained that access to electricity remains critical to national development, economic growth and social stability.

“A community with electricity experiences improved security, economic growth, educational advancement, business expansion and increased productivity,” the statement added.

The group said young people particularly stand to benefit through entrepreneurship opportunities, employment creation and digital inclusion.

AYAGL further described Engr. Aliyu’s leadership style as professional, accountable and result-oriented, noting that the visible impact of the agency’s programmes reflects purposeful leadership and institutional efficiency.

The youth assembly also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing policy support and political will for the implementation of renewable energy and infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

It added that sustained investment in rural electrification would help reduce poverty, unemployment, insecurity and rural-urban migration, especially in Northern Nigeria.

The group urged residents and community leaders in beneficiary areas to protect the projects and ensure community ownership for sustainability.

AYAGL reaffirmed its support for policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic growth, youth empowerment and improved living standards for Nigerians.

ENDS

A political pressure group has accused a Kaduna-based politician, Yerima Usman Shettima, of allegedly using a fake ambassadorial title in his political campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Citizens for Democratic Accountability, described the use of the title “Ambassador” on Shettima’s campaign posters as misleading, deceptive and capable of creating false impressions among members of the public.

The group in a press statement signed by the spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, challenged Shetima to publicly explain the source and legitimacy of the title he has allegedly adopted in his political activities.

According to the statement, there is no known official record showing that Shetima was ever appointed as an ambassador by the Federal Government of Nigeria or any recognised international body.

“We are demanding clear explanations from Yerima Usman Shettima on how he came about the ambassadorial title he is parading on campaign posters and political materials,” Musa said.

“He was never officially appointed ambassador by the Nigerian government. The use of such a title is misleading and deceitful to the electorate.”

The group maintained that public office seekers, particularly those aspiring to represent the people at the National Assembly, must demonstrate transparency, honesty and integrity in both public and private conduct.

“Someone seeking a highly coveted Senate seat must be a person of proven integrity. Nigerians deserve leaders who are truthful about their identity, qualifications and background,” Musa added.

The group further warned against what it described as the increasing trend of politicians adopting honorary or unofficial titles to gain political advantage and public sympathy.
According to the group, such practices undermine public trust and weaken democratic values.

They called on relevant authorities, including electoral bodies and anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the matter and ensure that politicians do not misrepresent themselves before the electorate.