News
New Educational Policy in Abia State: Mandatory School Attendance Enforcement Begins January 2025.
The Abia State government has announced that, effective January 1, 2025, it will be an offence for parents to fail to send their children and wards to school. This significant policy change was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti.
This initiative is part of the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the educational sector within the state. Commissioner Kanu underscored that poverty will no longer serve as an excuse for non-enrolment, given the provision of free and basic education available up to the completion of Junior Secondary School. He urged parents to capitalize on this tuition-free policy and emphasized that failure to comply will result in legal actions against defaulters, as stipulated by the Abia State Child’s Law of 2006.
Kanu articulated that the government’s commitment to educational access is unwavering. He stated, “There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school,” reinforcing the expectation that the community will heed this mandate.
In addition to the educational reforms, the Commissioner addressed other pressing issues, including the irreversible relocation of the Umuahia campus of Abia State University to its main campus at Uturu and the urgent need to repair the failing flyover at Osisioma, a project from the previous administration.
As Abia State prepares for this new mandate, the government remains dedicated to safeguarding educational rights and fostering a culture of learning within the state.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Princess Opeyemi Bright was sworn in as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom, assuming the prestigious title of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham at the age of 29.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Princess Bright’s election has been widely lauded as a testament to diversity, youth empowerment, and the increasing global impact of the Nigerian diaspora. Having served as a councillor since the age of 22, her ascent to mayoralty follows a legacy of public service, with her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, previously serving as Civic Mayor of Hackney.
Princess Bright’s success exemplifies a broader trend of Nigerians achieving prominent positions in international governance, joining the ranks of figures like Kemi Badenoch and Chi Onwurah in the UK, and others globally. Her inauguration serves as an encouragement for youth engagement in politics and underscores the vital role young people and women play in shaping public life. This historic achievement offers valuable insights for Nigerian policymakers in diaspora engagement and leadership development initiatives.
Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has recently ignited a debate regarding the necessity of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination for university admissions in Nigeria. In a statement posted on her Instagram story, Njoku questioned the need for JAMB and post-UTME, arguing that the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) should be sufficient proof of a candidate’s completion of secondary education.
Her statement comes amidst recent controversy surrounding JAMB, particularly following widespread reports of mass failures in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). While JAMB has admitted to errors and announced retakes for affected candidates, Njoku’s questioning highlights a deeper concern regarding the redundancy and potential inefficiencies within the current university admission process. The actress’s comments add fuel to an existing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the JAMB examination in evaluating a student’s readiness for tertiary education.
South African sensation Tyla is poised to make history as the first African personality to host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Organizers announced the Grammy-winning artist as the host of the 2025 edition, scheduled to air live on June 21st from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Beyond hosting duties, Tyla has also secured two nominations: Favourite Global Music Star and Favourite Music Collaboration for “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc, and “bees & honey.”
The nominations list is topped by Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga, each receiving four nods. Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Jack Black follow closely behind with three nominations apiece.
Expressing her excitement on X, Tyla simply stated, “I’m really about to host the kids choice awards.” This landmark achievement further solidifies Tyla’s rising star on the global stage.
Princess Opeyemi Bright Inaugurated as Youngest UK Mayor.
Nollywood Actress Questions JAMB’s Relevance in University Admissions.
Tyla to Host 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Queen Phinadon Honored at the Cultural Exhibition and Award Ceremony 202
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World Set for Theatrical Release
Nigeria’s SEC Grants Approvals to Crypto Operators: A Step Towards Regulation and Acceptance
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